The on-going efforts to transform NNPC into a truly world-class oil and gas company will be a success, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr Rilwanu Lukman has assured Nigerians.

Dr Lukman stated this while declaring open the NNPC Top Management Retreat held from July 13-14th, 2009 at the TINAPA Business Resort in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

The Minister, who charged the Corporation’s top management to learn from the experience of the past two failed attempts to transform the organization, expressed optimism that this time around, the reform will be a success.

“My consolation lies in the fact that most successfully transformed National Oil Companies (NOCs) did not get it right at the first attempt. What it simply means therefore is that we cannot afford not to get it right this time around,” Lukman said.

He added: “I share your vision for an NNPC of which we can all be proud of, showcasing the best of Nigeria; an NOC that shines in the world, with strategic and operational autonomy and a distinctive competitive edge.

“It makes me happy that you are here to brainstorm on how to take NNPC to the next level. I am sure you feel as excited as I am about driving real change at NNPC- nobody can make this change a reality except you, the company’s leadership.

“Now is the time to shape a common picture of NNPC’s future success, and commit together to walk the path that will take NNPC to excellence. There is no option but to drive genuine and lasting change at NNPC,” Lukman said.

He reiterated that since nobody is immune to the current crisis facing the global economy, the days of planning are over. “From today, the challenge is not about planning, but about taking action.”

He stated that with the volatility in global oil prices, NNPC needs to plan for uncertain revenues by rigorously controlling costs and ensuring it gets real value for every kobo it spends.

“As NNPC, you have a duty to contribute to Nigeria…Contributions from the Oil and Gas sector will continue to be a major part of national revenues, and that places a special responsibility on the Corporation,” he averred.

According to Lukman, NNPC must “reshape the way it does business by developing effective business models that are profit-driven; focus relentlessly on performance as well as invest in capacity-building, research and technology acquisition.

“I am excited and inspired to see a selection of committed leaders here today, supported by genuine undertakings from corporate centre to help you make things happen; to remove barriers to your success; and to follow up on delivery,” the Minister concluded.

It will be recalled that in 1988, the Corporation (in partnership with Arthur Anderson) through the Total Quality Management (TQM) initiative created the subsidiaries and begun the process of capitalization of the various business units.

Also in 2004, the Corporation (in conjunction with Accenture) through Project PACE aimed at transforming NNPC with emphasis on improving efficiency corporate-wide.

This year’s retreat was organized in conjunction with McKinsay & Company, a UK-based management consultancy firm.