As Nigeria continues to reposition its oil and gas sector for greater transparency and sustainability, stakeholders in the industry have described the appointment of Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) as a significant development for governance and strategic oversight in the sector.
Kida, who previously served as a director at Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (Nigeria) Limited and across the Newcross group of companies, was recently honoured at a private send-forth dinner in Lagos hosted by Pan Ocean, Newcross Petroleum Limited, and Newcross Exploration and Production Limited.
The event brought together company executives, board members, legal advisers, and colleagues to acknowledge his contributions to corporate reform, technical leadership, and institutional strengthening during his tenure.
Group Executive Director of Newcross companies, Dr. Bolaji Ogundare, described Kida’s leadership as focused on long-term capacity building. According to Ogundare, the former director consistently advocated mentorship for mid-level personnel and sought to embed values of accountability and succession planning within the company.
“He was deeply interested in developing the second level of leadership,” Ogundare stated, noting that Kida’s approach to governance extended beyond executive functions and focused on organisational continuity.
Group Managing Director of the Pan Ocean and Newcross companies, Mr. Steven Fadeyi, noted that Kida helped instil strategic ambition in the team, encouraging a forward-looking outlook at a time when the sector faces both global transitions and domestic challenges.
According to him, the honouree urged the company to think beyond short-term obstacles and approach growth with confidence. “That mindset, to dream big, had a ripple effect across the organisation,” Fadeyi said.
Board member and legal adviser, Ms. Folashade Alli (SAN), highlighted Kida’s impact on governance processes, including the establishment of the Group Technical and Sustainability Committee, which she said improved board reporting and technical review. She described him as a leader committed to excellence and systemic improvement, noting that the company would remain guided by the frameworks introduced under his watch.
In his remarks, Engr. Kida reflected on the trajectory of his professional journey, citing early career experiences, mentorship, and teamwork as formative elements. While expressing appreciation for the recognition, he emphasised the need to invest in Nigeria’s youth and support institutional structures capable of delivering on long-term national priorities. “There is talent in this country, and there is a need to believe in it,” he said, stressing the importance of building collaborative teams to advance the oil and gas sector.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, Dr. Festus Alani Fadeyi, commended Kida’s leadership and commitment to institutional advancement. “Elijah Kira joined our board during my full-term period for partnership and the Newcross companies. We experienced growth amid a complex yet dynamic energy landscape marked by regulatory changes, asset consolidations, and industry-wide transition,” he noted.
He commended Kida’s steady resolve and strategic insight in navigating uncertainty and fostering innovation. “Many of the milestones we achieved were possible because of Elijah’s forward-thinking mindset and dedication,” he said.
While congratulating him on his new appointment, he expressed full support for his role at the national level. “This is not just a recognition of service; it is a signal of trust in his vision for the future of Nigeria’s energy sector,” the chairman remarked. “We stand behind him with pride and unwavering support as he begins this important chapter.”
The gathering, though informal, served as a forum for reflections on leadership transition and the evolving demands of Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Many in attendance expressed optimism that the values of integrity, transparency, and strategic foresight demonstrated by Kida at the private sector level would continue to inform his contributions at the national level.
