Minister for Petroleum promises to transform sector in 1-Yr

Dr Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of State for Petroleum, has promised to bring about fundamental change in Nigeria’s oil sector in 360 days.

He gave the promise on Saturday when All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in Delta, led by Mr Jones Erue, the party chairman, visited him at his country home in Onicha-Ugbo, Aniocha North LGA.

"The country’s oil sector will experience a turnaround such that the refineries will work effectively and products will be made available to the people at an affordable price within 365 days,’’ he said.

The minister, however, called for ideas from the public on best ways to achieve successes in the sector, adding that he was not an epitome of knowledge.

"I came in as a technocrat to give my best to transform the oil industry, but I will welcome ideas from willing and capable Nigerians to build this sector,’’ he said.

Kachikwu advised the APC to carry others along and give them opportunity to make contributions for the development the country.

In his remark, Erue congratulated the minister on his appointment and used the occasion to highlight some of the challenges facing the party in the state.

In an interview with newsmen, Chief Ayiri Emami, a chieftain of the APC in the state, said the minster remained the leader of the party in Delta.

He said that chieftains of the party came to felicitate with Kachikwu on his appointment.