Gwarzo takes over as permanent secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources

By Solomon Ezeme

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources on Monday announced a change of guard with Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, taking over the administrative responsibilities as Permanent Secretary.

A statement signed by Enefaa Bob-Manuel, Deputy Director (Information) Ministry of Petroleum Resources, said a handover ceremony was held at the Permanent Secretary’s Conference Room, Block D, NNPC Towers, Abuja. The event was attended by the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu, the incoming Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff of the Ministry.

In his valedictory address, Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu stated that he had a wonderful stay in the course of his stewardship at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, adding that the successes the Ministry recorded under his leadership was as a result of the tremendous support he enjoyed from the management and staff.

Speaking further, Nabasu described the oil and gas sector as a peculiar one with lots of terminologies and implored his successor to familiarize himself with these terminologies.

Nabasu wished Dr. Gwarzo well in his new assignment and implored staff of the Ministry to accord him the necessary support and cooperation. He reminded the gathering about the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly, adding that once the President has accented to the bill, implementation will commence, and that the roles of the Permanent Secretary and staff of the Ministry will be critical in that regard.

In his maiden address, Dr. Gwarzo said; “my coming here is a new experience”. He informed that he is a Medical Doctor, A Public Health Physician and an Epidemiologist who spent over 25 years handling vaccinations in humanitarian emergencies across different countries.

He promised to invest in the happiness and welfare of staff as a way of bringing out the best in them. He added that he will create the enabling environment that will ensure that workers give their best. He enjoined workers to help the President in achieving his agenda of progress and development for the country while also helping the Honorable Minster of State, Petroleum Resources in actualizing the mandate given to him.

In his address, the Director, Human Resources Management, Dr. Famous Eseduwo described the moment of having two giants of the Federal Civil Service as one of pleasure and epoch making. He thanked Mr. Nabasu for his landmark contributions to the Petroleum Industry.

Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo’s deployment as Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Mr. Bitrus Bako Nabasu to the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy was contained in an Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation circular with reference No: HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/IX/59, dated 3rd August, 2021.