PANDEF Demands Overhaul Of NNPC Board, Advocates For CEO From Niger Delta

PANDEF Calls for Reevaluation of NNPC Leadership Structure

In a bold move, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) board. This decision has sparked a heated debate about regional representation and equitable distribution of opportunities in Nigeria’s critical oil sector. PANDEF is urging President Tinubu to reconsider his choices and ensure the Niger Delta region, which bears the brunt of oil production, is adequately represented at the helm of the NNPCL leadership.

According to Naija News, President Tinubu has appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NNPCL, while Adedapo Segun has been named the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The board also includes directors such as Bello Rabiu (North-West), Yusuf Usman (North-East), Babs Omotowa (North-Central), Austin Avuru (South-South), David Ige (South-West), and Henry Obih (South-East). While the appointments reflect a broad geographical representation, PANDEF argues that the Niger Delta region, the heart of Nigeria’s oil production, deserves more than just a non-executive role.

PANDEF’s Spokesman Speaks Out Against Marginalization

Obiuwevbi Ominimini, the spokesman for PANDEF, expressed his disappointment during an interview with Arise News on Wednesday. He pointed out that the Niger Delta region, which contributes significantly to the country’s economy through crude oil production and gas flaring, has been sidelined in the recent appointments. Ominimini emphasized that the President’s decision overlooks the region’s crucial role in sustaining Nigeria’s economic backbone.

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PANDEF’s concerns are not just about representation but about fairness and justice. The region, which endures the environmental and health consequences of oil extraction, deserves a leadership role in managing the very resources that impact its people. Ominimini stated that the current board composition is not only unfair but also unjust, as it fails to uphold the principles of equity and inclusion.

Demands for Change: A CEO from the Niger Delta

PANDEF has called on President Tinubu to dismantle the current board and appoint a person from the South-South region as the CEO of NNPCL. They argue that Austin Avuru, who has been given a non-executive position, is eminently qualified to lead the company. PANDEF insists that the Niger Delta’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy necessitates more than just token representation on the board.

In his remarks, Ominimini passionately argued: “At this moment, I want to state very clearly that the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, the region that produces the majority of oil and gas in this country, are deeply disheartened. We had hoped that the President would recognize the sacrifices and contributions of this region and appoint the CEO of NNPCL from here. Instead, we are treated as second-class citizens in a nation that relies heavily on our resources.”

“The President has failed to acknowledge the significant impact that oil production has on the Niger Delta. It is unacceptable that the region producing the lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy is given only a non-executive seat. This is not just an issue of representation; it’s about fairness and justice. We demand that the current board composition be dismantled and a new CEO from the South-South region be appointed.”

“Consider this: Nigeria imposes penalties for gas flaring, yet the funds generated from these penalties do not benefit the people of the Niger Delta. Now, with plans to increase gas production to 8 billion cubic feet and crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day, it is imperative that the region bearing the brunt of these activities has a leading role in managing them. Without a representative from the Niger Delta at the top, the concerns of the region will continue to be overlooked.”

“Austin Avuru, appointed as a non-executive member, is more than qualified to lead NNPCL. The Niger Delta has no shortage of capable individuals who could serve as CEO. It is high time that the region’s contributions are recognized and rewarded with leadership roles that reflect its significance to the nation’s economy.”

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PANDEF’s call for change highlights the ongoing struggle for equitable representation and fair treatment in Nigeria’s oil sector. As the debate continues, the nation watches closely to see how President Tinubu will respond to these demands and whether the Niger Delta’s voice will finally be heard in the corridors of power.