By Etuka Sunday
The Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its age-long partner, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), yesterday expressed resolve to grow existing business relationship aimed at increasing the nation’s crude oil reserves.
A statement by the NNPC spokeman, Ndu Ughamadu said the high level Shell delegation led by the Vice-President of Shell Nigeria and Gabon, Mr. Peter Costello, was received by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, at NNPC Towers, Abuja.
Kyari, according to the statement, acknowledged the fact that Shell was its oldest and biggest partner in upstream operations and would continue to enhance the relationship for the benefit of the industry.
He said that NNPC would work with Shell to expedite action on some crucial deepwater projects and create enabling environment to entrench the ideals of transparency and enduring governance framework for the industry.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Shell delegation, Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of SPDC and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, congratulated the NNPC GMD on his appointment while expressing confidence in his ability to steer the industry to enviable height.
Okunbor said Shell was in sync with Kyari’s vision and growth trajectory for the industry as laid out in his blueprint.
He noted with interest the push towards renewed transparency and openness, stating that the essence of the visit was to “underline our unflinching support for you and your team”.
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