By Rayyanu Bala

Last week, the Nigerian media both  newspapers, online platforms, and social media widely reported on a high-profile dinner organized by Texaco-Energies to honour  Mr. Ahmad Musa Kida, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Mr. Kida’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu garnered significant attention, especially given his previous role as the Managing Director of Texaco-Energies.

The dinner was a notable event, attracting a range of dignitaries from the oil and gas sector, government circles, and business communities. Among the invited guests was Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, who attended on a special invitation extended by Texaco-Energies

Senator Wadada’s presence at the event underscores his prominence not only within the political landscape of Nasarawa State but also among the key players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. His inclusion among such influential stakeholders reflects his growing influence and ability to navigate both the political and industrial arenas with strategic finesse.

Renowned for his collaborative leadership style, Senator Wadada has consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening ties between the legislative and executive branches of government. His efforts to build bridges beyond partisan lines and across sectors are widely recognized and commendable.

A notable highlight of the evening was Senator Wadada’s engagement with Mrs. Daisy Danjuma — wife of General T.Y. Danjuma and Executive Vice Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO). Their meeting on the sidelines of the event reinforced Senator Wadada’s drive to forge strategic alliances with influential stakeholders dedicated to national development.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Wadada plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. His leadership continues to fortify legislative-executive relations and provide valuable oversight in sectors crucial to Nigeria’s growth, particularly oil and gas.

His participation in the dinner also signaled a clear intent to collaborate with Mr. Musa Kida and the new NNPCL leadership to advance the current administration’s vision for the energy sector. Of particular interest is his advocacy for Nasarawa State’s emergence as an oil-producing state through the Ebenyi-A oil exploration project, a vision that aligns with the NNPCL’s broader strategic goals.

Mr. Musa Kida, a seasoned engineer with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, is widely expected to lead NNPCL with efficiency and innovation. His relationship with Senator Wadada may prove instrumental in realizing the aspirations of Nasarawa State, as well as in enhancing investment, operational efficiency, and production output nationwide.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, NNPCL has set ambitious goals, including increasing oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million by 2030, while also expanding gas output and refining capacity. Effective collaboration between government officials and NNPCL leadership is crucial to achieving these objectives.

The dinner also provided a platform for meaningful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders. Senator Wadada’s participation facilitated discussions on legislative support for the energy sector, while Mr. Kida shared insights into NNPCL’s future direction. This synergy is essential for policy alignment and the realization of Nigeria’s energy and economic aspirations.

In essence, Senator Wadada’s attendance at the dinner was far more than a ceremonial gesture. It was a strategic step toward reinforcing partnerships between Nasarawa State and the NNPCL, partnerships that are vital for the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry and for achieving the nation’s broader economic goals.