The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has expressed dissatisfaction over the composition of the newly constituted board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), citing poor female representation.
In a statement released by WIEN President, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, the group acknowledged and congratulated the new Group Chief Executive Officer and the 11-member board led by a non-executive chairman, but criticised the inclusion of only one woman—Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing what WIEN described as a team of highly respected professionals, the group stressed that the board’s gender imbalance undermines the broader goals of equity and inclusiveness in the energy sector.
Fatayi-Williams noted that the reconstitution of the board comes at a critical moment for Nigeria’s energy industry, as it faces transformations driven by sustainability, diversification, and economic growth. She added that the new board is expected to enhance operational efficiency, boost investor confidence, and advance the development of local content and gas resources.
WIEN expressed full support for Mrs. Jafiya’s appointment but called on President Tinubu to make deliberate efforts to include more qualified women on the NNPC board and across other governing bodies in the energy sector.
The group also urged the National Assembly and relevant agencies to back the President in addressing gender disparities to ensure Nigeria fully taps into the expertise of its female professionals and realises the full potential of its energy sector.
