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An organization known as International Women in Oil Marketing and Refinery has called on President Bola Tinubu to contemplate the appointment of a female Group Managing Director (GMD) for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Dr. P.S. Bhandari, along with the African Continent Director-General, Ambassador Sarki Ibrahim, the organization emphasized that appointing a woman as GMD of NNPCL is essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity within the country's oil corporation and the broader oil and gas industry.
The Nigerian oil and gas sector requires a significant shift in direction. It is in need of revitalization. Since the inception of oil exploration in Nigeria, the role of Group Managing Director (GMD) has been predominantly held by men.
However, we are still not achieving the level of competitiveness necessary for our oil and gas companies to stand alongside their global counterparts. It is time for Mr. President to consider appointing women to these leadership roles and witness the potential for transformative results, as stated in the announcement.
The organization referenced the exemplary leadership of notable Nigerian women, specifically highlighting the accomplishments of Prof. Dora Akunyili, the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and is currently the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
These examples underscore the ability of women to effectuate positive change in vital sectors. The organization emphasized that women have consistently demonstrated their capabilities in high-level positions, expressing confidence that appointing another woman could restore order to Nigeria’s struggling oil industry.
Additionally, the organization commended President Tinubu for his courageous decision to eliminate the fuel subsidy, noting that this action has significantly contributed to the liberalization of the oil sector and the promotion of economic development.
The statement conveyed a sense of hope that the policy will evolve, drawing in investments and fostering growth within the oil and gas sector.
"There has long been a shared understanding among both industry professionals and the general public regarding the necessity of eliminating fuel subsidies. The primary obstacle has been identifying who would take the initiative. The bold action taken by President Tinubu exemplifies a redefined approach to leadership. True leadership is characterized by the willingness to make difficult choices and the determination to see them through to success," the organization remarked.
Women in the oil and gas sector called on Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration, acknowledging the difficulties arising from the removal of fuel subsidies. They stressed that this challenging decision is essential for the nation to attain a robust economy in the foreseeable future.
The group described the elimination of fuel subsidies as a painful yet essential step toward economic revitalization, comparing the reforms to the journey of pregnancy—an experience that may be uncomfortable and challenging but ultimately culminates in the joy of new beginnings.
This comparison emphasizes the importance of making short-term sacrifices to achieve long-term benefits. The Renewed Hope Agenda, introduced by President Tinubu, seeks to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, bolster economic partnerships, encourage social unity, and advance principles of fairness and equity. The organization highlighted that the administration remains steadfast in its dedication to these objectives, even in the face of temporary challenges.