The public policy advocacy group, #FixPolitics, has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent reconstitution of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing the move as a step in the right direction towards revamping Nigeria’s struggling energy sector.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, the group commended the federal government for appointing a board with proven industry expertise, saying the action reflects Nigerians’ expectations for a more efficient, transparent, and accountable national oil firm.
“This development aligns with the overwhelming aspirations of many Nigerians that the government demonstrates a commitment to revitalizing the critical energy sector and addressing the complex challenges therein,” the statement read.
Ubani stressed that the new board must hit the ground running, noting that it inherits a complex landscape marked by global energy shifts, technological disruption, environmental pressures, and deep-rooted inefficiencies in Nigeria’s petroleum value chain.
To effectively reposition the NNPCL, #FixPolitics urged the board to prioritize several key areas including operational efficiency, internal governance, infrastructure development, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
“The board must implement robust governance structures and internal controls, streamline bureaucratic processes, and ensure consistent public disclosure of financial and operational data,” the statement added.
The advocacy group also emphasized the need to fast-track existing commitments to make the NNPCL a publicly traded entity, while maintaining constructive engagement with all sector stakeholders.
On the infrastructure front, #FixPolitics called for urgent rehabilitation and expansion of aging facilities, increased domestic refining capacity, and heightened security around critical installations.
Beyond operational concerns, the group highlighted the importance of inclusive policies that promote local content, equitable resource distribution, and broad-based economic participation by Nigerians.
However, the group warned against undue political interference in the day-to-day management of the NNPCL. “The Federal Government must resist the temptation to meddle in the operations of the firm if real progress is to be achieved,” Ubani said.
#FixPolitics concluded by expressing hope that with visionary leadership and strategic foresight, the new board can reposition NNPCL as a catalyst for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.