The Minister of state for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, says he loses at least $1 million every year as a result of his decision to serve in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Speaking on Sunday, in Abuja, the minister however, said he’s unperturbed by the financial losses because he was ‘directed by the voice of God’.

He said: “The call to public service for me was unique. I was vice-president of Exxon Mobil West Africa and I was suddenly called to serve.”

“In serving, I lose a lot of money, if not at least a million dollars every year by virtue of being a minister, but the thing is, I am directed by the voice of God.”

“I believe that this country needs help. I believe that it is about time we began to perform for the young and upcoming. I believe that the sheer capacity of this country is unimaginable.”

“I do not know of any country in the world with our population, our resources, our intellect, our flamboyance, our family nexus, everything is together.”

Speaking further, the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), urged Nigerians to support and inculcate the new philosophy of the present administration, which is aimed at turning the fortunesof the country around.

“Everything in this country is together; the only thing that is not together is leadership and in God’s name; we are bound to change that. In every little space that you have, and in my own case petroleum, you have to make an absolute change and so I am not worried about price of oil.”

“It can be five dollar for all I care. I am worried about the direction of the industry; I am worried about changing things the way they have never done before. I am worried about creating opportunities that exist; I am worried about improving the standards of living; I am worried about encouraging opportunities in the sector.”

“I am worried about opening up those opportunities that have existed for years.”