Sopuruchi Onwuka

Foremost gender equity advocate in Nigeria, the Women In Energy Network (WIEN), has commended President Bola Tinubu on the constitution of new board for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited; saying the changes in the board of the national oil company came timely to accelerate realization of the country’s energy and economic aspirations.

The group which houses Nigeria’s best female players and professionals in the energy industry is however calling on the president to revisit the appointments with a view of achieving a minimum of 35 percent representation for women.

President Tinubu had on Tuesday announced a much expected constitution of a new board of directors for the NNPC Limited, appointing only one woman on the board of 11 members.

In congratulating the president on taking a bold step in empanelling a board of highly respected professionals to oversee the management of the national oil company, WIEN noted that the changes come “at a pivotal moment for the energy sector, one marked by transformation, diversification, and an ongoing transition toward sustainability.”

In a statement signed on Tuesday, President of WIEN, Mrs Eyono Fatai-Williams, noted that the spread of representation in the board across 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.”

“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,” Mrs Fatai-Williams pointed out.

WIEN also acknowledged the significant progress the appointments represent within the broader framework of energy sector reforms, noting that the 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,” she declared.

In demanding more seat fir women in the board, WIEN noted that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda holds the obligation to create “opportunities for all Nigerians, particularly women, to thrive in every sector of the economy.”

“It underscores the commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, recognizing the immense contributions of women across various spheres of society,” the group emphasized.

Mrs Fatai-Williams stressed that WIEN is deeply concerned that lack of sufficient female representation in the NNPC board “is a stark contradiction to the commitment of ensuring 35% gender representation in leadership positions,”outlined in President Tinubu’s plan.

“This absence of women on the NNPC board not only perpetuates a gender imbalance but also fails to recognize the invaluable role that Nigerian women have played, and continue to play, in the energy sector,” she stated, adding that “Women in Nigeria have consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in energy-related fields, making significant contributions to the industry’s growth and development.”

She lamented that despite the sufficient presence of qualified and capable women in the Nigerian energy sector, “their voices remain underrepresented in the key decision-making spaces.”

In calling on the president to revisit the appointments with a view to addressed perceived gender imbalance, Mrs Fatai-Williams reminded the president that gender equity remains crucial for sustainable development of the country.

“We urge President 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 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. 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.”

In pressing home the group’s demand, Mrs Fatai-Williams demanded the president to ensure gender balance in appointments not just into the NNPC board but also in all boards in the energy sector.

“It is with this in mind that WIEN respectfully calls upon President Bola Ahmed 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 realized,” she appealed.

She noted that “Nigeria is home to a wealth of female professionals in the six-geopolotical zones who have made exceptional strides across the energy value chain,” adding that “WIEN stands ready to assist in identifying and recommending accomplished women who can contribute to the realization of the President’s objectives for NNPC Limited.”

In striking a patriotic note, Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams declared: “Together, we can achieve a more inclusive, dynamic, and successful energy sector for Nigeria.”