Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, has stated that the proposed sale of national assets to finance the 2016 Budget is a wrong and calamitous step, insisting that the Federal Government should work on reforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) so that the economy would be run more efficiently.

The former President disclosed this during a courtesy call by the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Baru Maikanti to his residence in Abeokuta, on Wednesday, adding: “What I do understand is reforms. I believe organisation like the NNPC should be reformed.”

According to Obasanjo, “I don’t understand this talk of selling our national assets. Selling the assets is wrong, but the reform is what I think should be done, so that we can run the business of the economy in the way it should be run. I said it at the NACOFED confab in Abeokuta yesterday.

“If there is any organ that can help us quickly get out of recession, it is NNPC. If you work hard, you can get around the situation.”

Encouraging the GMD of NNPC further, he remarked: “I want to encourage you and hope that the little difference we have started seeing will continue. It is our dream to see NNPC grow as an NOC, just like its peers in other countries.”

Speaking during the visitation, Dr. Baru commended the positive influence of President Obasanjo, especially in his discussions with President Muhammadu Buhari on issues germane to the development of the country, saying: “I also commend your vision towards efficiently transforming the NNPC for better performance, growth and profitability.

“We appreciate your call for diversification into agro-biz and other energy sources. We are currently rejuvenating our Renewable Energy business.”

Dr. Baru promised that NNPC would remain keen on making kerosene available to all, adding that “we are working hard to flood the market so that prices will come down especially in the South-East.

“We’ll continue to work hard towards realising lofty dreams of seeing NNPC grow into a transformed NOC without any interference.”

•Photo shows Obasanjo and Baru during the courtesy visit on Wednesday, in Abeokuta.