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By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has expressed concerns over the gender imbalance in the newly constituted Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited Board.
In a statement released at the weekend, WIEN, through its President, Eyono Fatai-Williams, thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, as the sole female member on the 11-member board.
While commending President Tinubu’s leadership focus on national unity and equity, the group highlighted that the board’s lack of adequate female representation stands in stark contrast to the President’s commitment to achieving 35 percent gender representation in leadership roles, as outlined in his strategic plan.
According to WIEN, 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.
It added that, 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.
‘‘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,’’.
It further assured that WIEN remains committed to advocating for the full inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles across Nigeria’s energy sector, while looking forward to continued dialogue and action in achieving this important goal.
“It is with this in mind that WIEN respectfully calls upon President 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.
WIEN maintained 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.
WIEN stands ready to assist in identifying and recommending accomplished women who can contribute to the realisation of the President’s objectives for NNPC Limited.
Together, we can achieve a more inclusive, dynamic, and successful energy sector for Nigeria. Again we congratulate Mr. President on this bold and strategice move to reposition Nigeria’s energy sector not just for domestic reforms but also to place Nigeria in her rightful place in the international energy community,’’.
The group added that the appointment of NNPC Board members 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.
This strategic reconstitution, it noted comes at a pivotal moment for the energy sector, one marked by transformation, diversification, and an ongoing transition toward sustainability.
WIEN pointed out that 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, in addition to the 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 group of women professionals said the 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 commercialisation 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 are crucial for attracting sustainable investments that will stimulate both oil and gas production and the development of local refining capacity,”.
