By Comrade Adamu Danladi

In a moment that brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu (Sarkin Yakin Keffi), who currently represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District joined industry leaders and public officials in Lagos at a farewell dinner organized by TotalEnergies in honour of Mr. Ahmad Musa Kida, the outgoing Managing Director and newly appointed Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).

The evening was both a celebration of professional excellence and a strategic gathering to discuss Nigeria’s future in energy development, especially in the context of new oil frontiers.

In his goodwill message, Senator Wadada congratulated Mr. Kida on his new appointment, describing him as a seasoned technocrat whose wealth of experience will greatly benefit the Nigerian oil sector at this critical time of transition and transformation. “I warmly congratulate my brother and a patriotic Nigerian, Mr. Ahmad Musa Kida, on his elevation. His appointment brings renewed confidence to the future of NNPC Ltd and by extension, the growth prospects of new oil-producing regions like Nasarawa State,” he stated.

Speaking further, Senator Wadada used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to attracting investment and strengthening governance structures that will position Nasarawa State for inclusive development. “The Ebenyi-A oil discovery is more than a landmark; it is a call to action. We must consolidate, not abandon, the foundational work of our leaders, particularly His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, whose administration laid the groundwork for this historic achievement,” he emphasized.

The Ebenyi-A Well, launched in March 2023 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, represents the first drilling campaign in Nigeria’s North Central and has since elevated Nasarawa State’s economic profile on the national stage. With oil exploration comes a demand for effective leadership, transparency, and a focus on infrastructure, environment, and equitable resource distribution, areas Senator Wadada has consistently championed in his legislative work.

As Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC), Senator Wadada has prioritized accountability and prudent financial management. These qualities, he noted, will be crucial as Nasarawa State navigates the complexities of becoming an oil-producing state. He further pledged that, if given the opportunity to lead the state in 2027, his administration will ensure that oil revenues translate into tangible benefits for host communities and the general public.

Industry watchers at the event noted that with leaders like Senator Wadada offering continuity in vision and strategic leadership, Nasarawa State is poised for a new era of growth. “His understanding of public finance, investment attraction, and community engagement makes him a natural leader for this next phase of development,” one oil sector expert observed.

Mr. Kida’s ascension to the NNPC Board, combined with the ongoing drive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda signals a broader national commitment to energy inclusion. The task ahead now lies in ensuring that Nasarawa State is not just a point of extraction but a hub of economic transformation.

As Nasarawa State takes its place among oil-producing states, Senator Ahmed Wadada’s rallying call for unity, continuity, and strategic governance resonates as a beacon of hope for citizens who yearn for sustainable development built on a foundation of integrity, vision, and inclusive progress.