President Tinubu honours Dr. Gaius-Obaseki on his 80th birthday, praising his enduring impact and leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to former NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, as he marks his 80th birthday on 25 November, describing him as a dedicated technocrat whose career left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

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In a congratulatory message released on Monday, the President called reaching 80 a “rare blessing” and an opportunity to celebrate decades of hard work, service, and excellence.

Tinubu highlighted Gaius-Obaseki’s rise from a geologist in the former Nigerian National Oil Company to the top leadership of NNPC. “You rose to become the first manager of the National Reserve Evaluation Project by dint of dedication and industry,” he said.

The President recalled key milestones in the celebrant’s career, including his tenure as Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company and later as Group General Manager of the Crude Oil Marketing Division in 1998.

His career pinnacle came in 1999 when he was appointed Group Managing Director of NNPC, leading significant reforms to modernise the sector.

Under Gaius-Obaseki’s leadership, the NNPC pursued ambitious projects spanning deep-offshore development, gas expansion, pipeline and depot construction, refinery rehabilitation, LNG development, and international petroleum diplomacy.

“You made enduring impressions and exceptional impact across onshore-to-offshore operations,” the statement read.

Tinubu also commended the former GMD for initiating operational and legal reforms, advancing external marketing strategies, and driving the construction of NNPC mega stations—projects that continue to define the corporation’s legacy.

“Indeed, many still talk about your enduring legacy at NNPC to this day,” the President said, praising Gaius-Obaseki’s brilliance, diligence, and patriotism.

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As the former NNPC boss joins the ranks of octogenarians, Tinubu prayed for his continued health and longevity. “I pray that God Almighty will grant you continued strength and the grace of more years in good health,” he said.