Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri yesterday said the reconstitution of the board of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was a strategic decision towards further repositioning of the national oil company.
Lokpobiri spoke as many other groups, including Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN), Women in Energy Network (WIEN) and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) hailed the change in the leadership of NNPCL.
Lokpobiri said the appointment of Engr Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr Ahmadu Kida as chairman as well-considered appointment.
President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday announced the reconstitution of the board of NNPCL.
Lokpobiri commended President Bola Tinubu for making strategic appointments in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He stated that the decision would further strengthen the legal framework governing the oil and gas sector, ensuring greater efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness.
“This is a crucial step toward further repositioning NNPC Ltd to meet the demands of the evolving global energy landscape,” Lokpobiri said.
He expressed optimism that Ojulari and his team would significantly grow NNPC Ltd from their vast experience” in achieving our national energy objectives.”
The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to continue collaborating with NNPC Ltd’s leadership in delivering on its mandate.
He also called on industry stakeholders, investors, and partners to support the new management team in advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Said he: “I urge all stakeholders to rally behind this new leadership as we work together to enhance production capacity, optimise value across the petroleum value chain, and secure a sustainable future for the sector.”
Meanwhile, Women in Energy Network (WIEN) applauded the appointment of the new board but sought for the inclusion of more women.
Its President, Eyono Fatai-Williams, in a statement said the appointment had brought on board a group of highly respected professionals to inject fresh perspectives and energy into the realisation of Nigeria’s national energy and economic aspirations.
“This strategic reconstitution comes at a pivotal moment for the energy sector, one marked by transformation, diversification, and an ongoing transition toward sustainability.
“WIEN is pleased to note the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive Officer and the constitution of an 11-member team, led by a non-executive chairman, to steer the direction of NNPC Limited. Additionally, the inclusion of six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, as well as representation from the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Finance, signals a broad-based approach to tackling the challenges facing the sector”, the statement stated,” she said.
According to Fatai-Williams, these appointments, made in accordance with Section 59, Subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, are expected to enhance operational efficiency, restore investor confidence, increase local content, boost economic growth, and advance the commercialization and diversification of gas resources. In light of the current economic challenges, particularly the foreign exchange squeeze and inflationary pressures, the need for effective leadership and strategic vision in the energy sector has never been more urgent.
WIEN also acknowledges the significant progress these appointments represent within the broader framework of energy sector reforms. These reforms, Fatai-Williams said, were crucial for attracting sustainable investments that will stimulate both oil and gas production and the development of local refining capacity.
“We specially thank Mr. President for the appointment of Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary, and Federal Ministry of Finance to the board as the only woman in the 11-member board. We extend our congratulations to her and assure her of our full support.
As we enter a new chapter under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Renewed Hope Agenda offers a transformative vision for Nigeria’s future. This vision emphasizes creating opportunities for all Nigerians, particularly women, to thrive in every sector of the economy. It underscores the commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, recognising the immense contributions of women across various spheres of society”, Fatai-Williams stated.
However, while the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda are commendable, Fatai-Williams said the Women in Energy Nigeria were deeply concerned about the current composition of the newly appointed NNPC board. “Despite the President’s progressive agenda for his administration, the board’s lack of sufficient female representation is a stark contradiction to the commitment of ensuring 35per cent gender representation in leadership positions, as outlined in his plan,” she stated.
According to Fatai-Williams, the absence of women on the NNPC board not only perpetuates a gender imbalance but also fails to recognise the invaluable role that Nigerian women have played, and continue to play, in the energy sector. “Women in Nigeria have consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in energy-related fields, making significant contributions to the industry’s growth and development. Yet, their voices remain underrepresented in the key decision-making spaces,” she stated.
WIEN urged Tinubu and the administration to ensure that the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda were reflected in every aspect of governance, particularly in the energy sector, where gender equity is not just an ideal but a necessity for sustainable development, it is vital that women are not only included but are empowered to lead at every level, she added.
This, Fatai-Williams said would not only enhance the industry but would also set a precedent for future generations, where equality in leadership is not merely aspirational but a reality.
“WIEN remains committed to advocating for the full inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles across Nigeria’s energy sector, and we look forward to continued dialogue and action in achieving this important goal. It is with this in mind that WIEN respectfully calls upon President Bola Tinubu to consider the inclusion of qualified women in the NNPC Limited board and all boards within the Nigerian energy sector,” Fatai-Williams stated.
She also urged the leadership of the National Assembly and other relevant government agencies to support the President in addressing this gender imbalance, ensuring that the full potential of Nigeria’s energy sector was realised.
Similarly, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) says it is excited by the appointment of its treasurer, Musa Kida, as the Board Chairman of NNPC Ltd.
NOC president, Habu Gumel, said yesterday in a statement issued by Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of NOC.
Gumel described the appointment of Kida as a remarkable achievement to the Nigeria Olympic Movement.