*Faults gender imbalance in new board appointments
By Michael Oche
The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has urged the newly appointed leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to prioritize transparency, comprehensive reforms, and public accountability as the company navigates a critical period in the country’s oil and gas sector.
The group also raised concerns over the lack of gender balance on the newly constituted board, noting that out of the 11 members appointed, no woman was named, except the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, who is on the board by virtue of her office and not through a direct appointment.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on April 3, 2025, appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi, the CTA set out a comprehensive reform agenda for the new NNPCL leadership, acknowledging that the appointments come at a time when the sector is grappling with declining crude production, oil theft, and calls for an accelerated energy transition.
“The leadership of Bashir Bayo Ojulari and Ahmadu Musa Kida will be judged by how well they drive reforms, restore trust, and position NNPCL as a transparent, accountable, and commercially viable national oil company,” the statement said.
Nwadishi charged the new leadership to ensure regular reporting of crude oil exports, sales, and remittances to enhance transparency and public confidence.
She called for the fast-tracking of NNPCL’s listing on the Stock Exchange in accordance with the provisions of the petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
She urged the new leadership to adopt international best practices in financial reporting to enhance credibility, as well as engage stakeholders, including Nigerian citizens, to communicate the benefits of the transition to a fully commercial entity.
“The implementation of FOIA 2011 and the PIA 2021 is non-negotiable in ensuring transparency and responsible governance.
A stronger, more inclusive, and transparent NNPCL is essential for Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security. We expect the new leadership to take bold and decisive steps in fulfilling this vision.
On Gender Inclusion, the CTA boss reminded the federal government that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 underscores the principles of good governance, efficiency, and inclusion. She also cited the 2023 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard, which recognizes gender equity as a key governance principle in the extractive industries.
She said, “NNPCL must reflect the diversity of Nigeria’s workforce and population. Women bring unique perspectives that improve decision-making, enhance accountability, and drive innovation.
“We call on President Tinubu to take immediate steps to ensure more qualified women are appointed to leadership positions within NNPCL and other critical oil and gas institutions.”
Nwadishi called for deeper engagement with civil society organisations, host communities, and industry experts to foster collaboration and trust.
She emphasized the need to address crude oil theft, revamp Nigeria’s refining capacity, and fast-track the listing of NNPCL on the stock exchange in line with PIA provisions.
