Africa Press-Nigeria:
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says the country’s oil revenue target declined by N1.06 trillion due to COVID-19 and low crude oil price.
The NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, made the disclosure on Tuesday during a Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) oil and gas webinar with theme as: “Perspectives of Operations and Industry Experts Post- COVID-19”.
According to Kyari, the country’s N2.64 trillion oil revenue target declined by 40 per cent as a result of twin shocks of COVID-19 and low crude oil price.
He said that the pandemic created an unprecedented and global crisis that would cause regions, countries, sectors, companies and individuals to experience reaction, resilience, recovery and adjustment for a new reality.
Kyari, represented by Mrs Rose Eshietti, noted that upstream projects were delayed as a result of the pandemic restrictions.
“The energy industry is likely to continue to struggle in the wake of a precipitous drop in oil and gas prices due to dampened demand from the effects of COVID-19,” he said.
According to him, revenue and production declines will continue to present major challenges for oil and gas companies, especially those at risk of being unable to refinance debt.
Speaking on emerging opportunities in the industry, Kyari said that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill would remove uncertainties and create investments opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
