The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in Nigeria has congratulated the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, on his recent conferment of award as the 2018 NewsDirect Man of the Year.

In a statement signed by Comrades Francis Johnson and Lumumba Okugbawa, President and General Secretary, respectively of PENGASSAN, the association described the award as another landmark on Dr. Baru’s much decorated cap.

“It is a sterling acknowledgement of your unmatchable industry and experience, impeccable character and capacity as an astute manager of men and resources to achieve set goals and objectives,’’ the statement read.

The Association also commended the NNPC GMD for dedicating the award to the tireless and ever indefatigable staff of NNPC, noting that the leadership of the union was elated to share in the moment of exemplary recognition and distinction the award accorded Dr. Baru.

NewDirect Newspaper is a Lagos based tabloid and online publication, its Saturday 17 March, 2018 gave its Man of the Year Award to Dr. Maikanti Baru in a well-attended event held in Lagos. 

While thanking the Management of NewsDirect Newspapers for the award, PENGASSAN found encouragement in the wordings of the award citation which celebrates Baru’s attribute of transparency, his commitment to the revamp of downstream infrastructure, opening of inland basins, growing crude reserve as well as maintenance of strategic communications amongst stakeholders in the Nigeria oil and gas industry.

PENGASSAN said it aligned itself with ongoing strategic discussions between the NNPC management and various consortia on the best possible funding option for the overhaul of the nation’s refineries.

‘’We are also aware that under your management and leadership, the NNPC has made remarkable progress in resuscitating other critical downstream infrastructure by making it a key component of your corporate vision of the 12 Business Focus Areas, (BUFA) geared towards ensuring uninterrupted supply of petroleum products nationwide,’’ PENGASSAN said.