Dangote Refinery: BAVCCA canvases collaborative effort to restore public trust in NNPCL

Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) has called for more collaboration between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to restore public trust in the company.

Recall that the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, recently alleged that some officials of the NNPCL and oil traders own blending plants in Malta from where they import substandard products into Nigeria.

At a national conference on Monday in Abuja, BAVCCA Director, Stein Uguru, who attributed the current impasse between Dangote and the NNPCL to a trust deficit, stressed the need for the NNPCL to establish and maintain trust with the public to avoid future occurrences.

Noting that the oil and gas sector, which NNPCL spearheads, is integral to Nigeria’s economy, Uguru regretted that the sector has been rife with controversy, mismanagement, and opacity.

To bridge the trust gap between NNPCL and the public, the Director advised the NNPCL to prioritise transparency, accountability, and open communication, saying: “This is where our role as content creators becomes crucial. We have the power to disseminate information, challenge narratives, and hold institutions accountable.”

According to Uguru, the NNPCL must be willing to listen to the concerns of the public, respond to criticisms constructively, and involve civil society organisations and content creators in meaningful dialogue.

“As bloggers and vloggers, our platforms can serve as bridges between NNPCL and the public. By hosting interviews, creating informative content, and facilitating discussions, we can help demystify complex issues and foster a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the oil and gas sector.

“Regular updates on operations, financial dealings, and strategic initiatives should be standard practice. By providing clear and honest information, NNPCL can demonstrate its commitment to ethical practices and public welfare.

“Accountability goes hand in hand with transparency. It is not enough to share information, there must be mechanisms in place to ensure that actions are taken in the public interest.

“Civil society organisations play a pivotal role in this aspect. By monitoring activities, conducting independent audits, and reporting findings, they provide a check on the power and influence of large corporations.”

Speaking on behalf of Legal Professionals for Good Governance, Agu Michael, who noted that the current leadership of the NNPCL took over when the organisation was facing a myriad of challenges, added that they have managed to completely turn the tide and position the NNPCL.

According to Michael, the current NNPCL leadership has implemented robust systems and processes that have brought an unprecedented level of openness to the NNPCL’s operations, earning the trust and confidence of both the Nigerian people and the international community.

He maintained that the regular publication of the company’s financial statements, the digitalisation of its processes, and the establishment of clear governance structures have all contributed to the transformation of the organisation.