Buhari blames politicians for slow growth in oil, gas sector

President-ELECT Muhammadu Buhari has blamed politicians for the slow pace of development in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

Buhari, who spoke when he received delegation from Total Oil Exploration and Production Group, said the slow progress recorded in the development of the country’s gas production and distribution infrastructure could be attributed to sheer sabotage by politicians and inefficiency by the officials.

However, the  Chief Executive Officer of Total Group, Mr. Patrick Pouyanne, assured that his company has directed its downstream subsidiary to ensure all-round supply of petroleum product to its 500 distribution outlets throughout the country.

He told reporters after a congratulatory visit to the President-elect that the management of the company has discussed the way forward with the Federal Government and that some of suggestions were being implemented.

“We have discussed and I think some solutions are being implemented. Our downstream subsidiary, Total Nigeria Plc, is doing its best in order to supply its 500 outstations throughout the country with fuel to help check the scarcity.

“Nigeria is an important nation in our business outlook. It presently accounts for over 10 per cent of Total Group’s investment worldwide. We are not just involved in the Upstream and natural gas production, but in the downstream operations.

“We are deeply concerned on the current challenges being witnessed  in Nigeria and global oil market.”

Pouyanne, who was accompanied by the Managing Director, Total Nigeria  Plc,  Elizabeth Proust, said they came to congratulate the president-elect and Nigerians on the on-going smooth transition of power.