The Minister of Interior, Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday, commended the Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNGL, for prioritizing Nigeria’s interests and serving as a model for successful public-private partnerships in the country.
The Minister stated this while receiving on courtesy visit the management team of the company led by managing director and chief executive officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila.
According to the Minister, Nigeria must take a cue from the NLNGL, and invest in building local capacities to reduce dependence on foreign expertise.
“We are not saying do not bring foreigners to the country. The purpose must be for us to learn. We don’t want to be a country that will be perpetually dependent on technical skills and knowledge of foreigners. We want to be a country that will be able to build capacity to a point that we will be able to export those capacities,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
On the company’s compliance with business rules and regulations, the Minister congratulated the 35-year old company for its growth, noting that violation of rules is counterproductive to development.
He said: “I want to congratulate you for putting Nigeria at the centre of your operations. We want businesses to grow. And, we want businesses to be done in accordance with rules and regulations. When the rules are constantly being violated, anarchy takes charge.”
Tunji-Ojo also highlighted the potential for job creation with the upcoming Train-7 expansion, saying: “When Train-7 comes, I know the number of jobs that will be added. You will increase your capacity by more than a third. As a Nigerian, not as a Minister of Interior, I am proud of what you guys have been able to do.”
Speaking on how the company grew from a company dependent on foreign workers to a full indigenous management team, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, noted that the company encouraged staff to build capacity, and in turn take over helms of affairs of the gas company.
“When I come closer to the heart of our business, it’s our people. When we were first established, the most dominant part of our operations was led by expatriates with a few Nigerians coming up to develop.
“Today, we can boast that our entire management team is Nigerians. So, whatever successes NLNGL has been able to deliver, and continues to deliver is fully in the hands of Nigerians.”
In his closing remarks, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the company, saying: “I believe that gas is not just a transition, but a destination. As a government, we believe in your vision.
“We believe that the actualisation of your vision is integral to the fulfilment of our economic emancipation and destiny as a government. For that reason, we are here for you because by being here for you is not being here for NLNGL but being here for Nigerians,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
