The newly appointed Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru on Wedneday paid a courtesy call to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Speaking during the visit, Obasanjo said, “It is our dream to see NNPC grow as an NOC just like its peers in other countries.

“I want to encourage you and hope that the little difference we have started seeing will continue.

“I’ve said it at the NACOFED confab in Abeokuta yesterday that I don’t understand this talk of selling our national assets.

“What I do understand is reforms. I believe organizations like the NNPC should be reformed.

“Selling of national assets is wrong.But reform is what I think it should be so that we can run d biz d way it should be run.

“If there’s any organ that can help us quickly get out of recession, it is NNPC. If you work hard, you can get around the situation.”

In his response, Dr. Baru commended the “positive influence” of ex-President Obasanjo especially in his discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari on issues.

The NNPC boss added, “I also commend your vision towards efficiently transforming the #NNPC for better performance, growth and profitability.

“We appreciate your call for diversification into agro-business and other energy sources. We’re currently rejuvenating our renewable energy business.

“We are keen on making kerosene available to all. We’re working hard to flood the market so that prices will come down especially in South East.

“We’ll continue to work hard towards realizing your lofty dreams of seeing NNPC grow into a transformed NOC without any interference.”