The senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, has congratulated Austin Avuru on his appointment as a Non-Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by President Bola Tinubu.

Dafinone commended Avuru’s appointment, recognising his extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and expressing confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of the NNPC.

Dafinone also extended his congratulations to Bashir Bayo Ojulari, who has been appointed as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPC, as well as Ahmadu Musa Kida, who emerged as the Non-Executive Chairman.

He expressed optimism that the newly constituted leadership team would bring their expertise and vision to advance the objectives of the corporation in line with President Tinubu’s directives.

The senator urged Avuru and the new board to leverage their vast knowledge and experience in the oil and gas sector to drive critical reforms that will enhance efficiency, transparency, and growth in the industry.

He emphasised the importance of aligning their strategies with national energy goals to ensure sustainable development and maximize the sector’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

Avuru, a geologist by training, boasts over 40 years of experience in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. As the pioneer CEO of Seplat, a company he co-founded, Avuru played a pivotal role in its dual listing on the London and Nigerian stock exchanges.

A respected industry leader, he is a fellow and past president of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

Dafinone expressed his confidence in Avuru’s capacity to bring his wealth of expertise to bear in his new role at the NNPC, fostering growth and innovation in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.