The Women in Energy Network has decried the failure of President Bola Tinubu to include more women in the new board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
WIEN, in a statement on Friday by its President, Eyono Fatai-Williams, congratulated Tinubu for his recent appointment of a new board for the NNPC but noted that only one woman is on the new board of 11 members.
Fatai-Williams said while the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda are commendable, Women in Energy Nigeria is 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 35 per cent gender representation in leadership positions, as outlined in his plan,” she stated.
According to her, this 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 under-represented in the key decision-making spaces,” she stressed.
Fatai-Williams urged Tinubu and the administration to ensure that the principles of the Renewed Hope Agenda are reflected in every aspect of governance, particularly in the energy sector, where she argued that gender equity is not just an ideal but a necessity for sustainable development.
She added, “It is vital that women are not only included but are empowered to lead at every level. This will not only enhance the industry but will 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. We also urge 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 is realised.”
The WIEN leader disclosed that Nigeria is home to a wealth of female professionals in the six geopolitical zones who have made exceptional strides across the energy value chain. WIEN is ready to assist in identifying and recommending accomplished women who can contribute to the realisation of the president’s objectives for NNPC.
However, while congratulating the new appointees, she said the restructuring by Tinubu brings 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, stressing that the strategic reconstitution comes at a pivotal moment for the energy sector.
She explained that WIEN is pleased to note the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, in place of Mele Kyari, and the constitution of an 11-member team, led by a non-executive chairman, to steer the direction of NNPC.
She said, “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.
“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.”
The WIEN leader acknowledged the significant progress these appointments represent within the broader framework of energy sector reforms, noting that these reforms are 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, 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,” Fatai-Williams said.