Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources, Rilwanu Lukman, has urged the World Bank to help build the capacity of Nigerian professionals expected to drive the reform in the oil and gas sector.
The minister told senior officials of the bank who visited him that it was part of consultations with stakeholders towards the successful transformation of the petroleum industry.
Lukman said the capacity building was targeted particularly at those who would be directly involved in the implementation of the reforms.
The minister explained that over time, the bank had acquired the technical expertise and professionalism required by the country.
Lukman said the country would work out a comprehensive program to ensure that once the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) became law ; its implementation would be pursued vigorously.
“To assist us in this regard, we will need support in capacity building,” Lukman said.
He appealed to the bank to hasten the release of the technical experts, as the country could not afford to wait any longer.
Lukman demanded that the Nigeria National Oil Company (NNOC), which would emerge after the industry legislation, should not be discriminated against in the global credit market.
“Our company should be given the opportunity to compete favorably with other fully privately-owned companies operating in the sector.
“We will be discussing this in some detail in the course of our meetings,” the minister said.
In his remarks, the leader of the World Bank team, Mr Charles Macpherson, said the mission was pleased with the scope and pace of the reforms.
“We are pleased to be back here. Nigeria’s petroleum sector is dynamic and vibrant. You have identified areas of interest you want the bank’s assistance,” he said.
Source African Press Agency
African News from NetNewsPublisher.com
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Dear Mr Rilwanu Lukman
When will you guys do what is right for all Nigerian. Who has the oil? the world Bank or Nigerian people.Remember what is said in the surah Bakara.You are not put in the position you are as leader except to help those in need.Allah will continue to give you chance to better the condition of human kind.Nigeria is suppose to be a Nation of people without Tribe or religion.Please be a selfless leader like Murtala Mohammed.Lead by example of those who have done the right thing.