THE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has felicitated with Maikanti Baru, the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, on his recent conferment of award as the 2018 NewsDirect Man of the Year.

In a congratulatory message signed by Francis Johnson and Lumumba Okugbawa, president and general secretary, respectively of the PENGASSAN, the association described the award as another landmark on 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 said.

The association 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 Baru.

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

While thanking the management of NewsDirect Newspapers for the award, the 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.

The 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,’’ the association said.

– Apr. 4, 2018 @ 13:55 GMT

AE