The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has expressed deep concern over the lack of female representation on the newly appointed board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s commendable “Renewed Hope Agenda” and congratulating him on the board appointments, WIEN President, Eyono Fatai-Williams, pointed out the stark contrast between the agenda’s commitment to 35% female representation in leadership and the reality of only one woman among the eleven board members. This, she argues, not only perpetuates gender imbalance but also disregards the significant contributions Nigerian women have made and continue to make to the energy sector. WIEN emphasizes that gender equity in the energy sector is not merely an ideal but a crucial element for sustainable development and urges the President to rectify this imbalance.
WIEN’s critique extends beyond mere numerical representation. The organization highlights the importance of empowering women to lead at all levels within the energy sector. The lack of female voices in key decision-making positions, according to WIEN, undermines the potential for comprehensive and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the industry. The call for increased female representation is framed not as a demand for tokenism, but as a strategic imperative to leverage the expertise and perspectives of a significant portion of the talent pool. By ensuring that women are not only included but also empowered to lead, the Nigerian energy sector can benefit from a wider range of perspectives and experiences, ultimately contributing to more robust policy formulation and implementation.
The organization underscores the abundance of qualified female professionals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones who possess exceptional experience and expertise across the energy value chain. WIEN expressed its readiness to assist the government in identifying and recommending accomplished women capable of contributing to the realization of the President’s objectives for the NNPC. This offer of assistance reinforces WIEN’s commitment to proactive engagement and their belief in the transformative potential of inclusive leadership. By offering to facilitate the identification and selection process, WIEN aims to ensure that the most qualified individuals are appointed, regardless of gender, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of the NNPC board.
While critiquing the gender imbalance, WIEN also acknowledged the positive aspects of the new board appointments. The organization recognized the appointment of seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds, hailing the selection of Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer and the inclusion of representatives from different geopolitical zones, as well as the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Finance. This broader representation, WIEN believes, signals a commitment to a comprehensive approach to tackling the complex issues facing the energy sector. The restructuring is viewed as a step in the right direction, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the pursuit of Nigeria’s national energy and economic aspirations.
The timing of these appointments is particularly significant, given the current economic challenges facing Nigeria, including foreign exchange shortages and inflationary pressures. WIEN emphasizes the urgent need for effective leadership and strategic vision within the energy sector to navigate these challenges successfully. The organization sees the board restructuring as a crucial step towards attracting sustainable investments that can stimulate both oil and gas production and the development of local refining capacity. This, in turn, is viewed as essential for bolstering the Nigerian economy and creating a more stable economic environment.
WIEN’s call for greater female representation on the NNPC board aligns with the global push for gender equality in leadership positions across various sectors. The organization emphasizes that achieving gender balance is not merely a social justice issue but a strategic imperative for sustainable development and economic growth. By leveraging the full potential of its human capital, including the significant contributions of women, Nigeria can unlock greater innovation and efficiency in its energy sector, contributing to the country’s overall economic prosperity. WIEN remains committed to advocating for the full inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles across the Nigerian energy sector and looks forward to continued dialogue and action towards achieving this vital goal.
