In the pursuit of growth and development, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has the potential to become Africa’s own Saudi Aramco, according to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. Dangote made the remarks at the 2023 NUIMS Annual Value Assurance Review (AVAR) Workshop. Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest oil company, and it plays a vital role in the Saudi economy. The company was founded in 1933 as a joint venture between the Saudi government and the American company Standard Oil of California. However, the Americans were bought out of the company in 1980, and Saudi Aramco has been wholly owned by the Saudi government ever since.
Saudi Aramco is a major player in the global energy market, and its profits have helped Saudi Arabia become one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The NNPC could do the same. Creating wealth for Nigerians both directly and indirectly. Investing in the critical infrastructure that will allow other businesses to grow. Creating jobs while also increasing national prosperity. Unfortunately, due to corruption and a failure to understand stewardship, none of this has happened in Nigeria. The Bible promotes the concept of stewardship. And responsible resource management. You are called to use resources wisely and for the greater good as stewards of God’s creation.
So while the Saudis have excellently managed their natural resources, developing Saudi Aramco into a business worth over two trillion US dollars. All Nigerians can do is hope and pray that NNPC will change for the better. Lack and poverty will not be eradicated in certain parts of Africa until people understand stewardship and accountability to God. A true steward will make the best use of whatever resources are available to them. The NNPC has the potential to be much more than it currently is. But no one is prepared to steward it in the right direction. In what ways are you a faithful steward in your daily life?