WIEN has called out President Tinubu over the lack of female representation on the newly reconstituted 11-member NNPC board

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has expressed concern over the limited female representation on the newly appointed board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), describing it as a missed opportunity for gender equity in leadership.

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In a statement released on Friday, WIEN President Eyono Fatai-Williams congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the recent reconstitution of the NNPC board but lamented that only one woman was appointed among the 11 members.

“Despite the president’s progressive agenda for his administration, the board’s lack of sufficient female representation is a stark contradiction to the commitment of ensuring 35 per cent gender representation in leadership positions, as outlined in his plan,” Fatai-Williams said.

She noted that this absence of women in key decision-making positions undermines both the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the long-standing contributions of Nigerian women to the energy sector.

“Women in Nigeria have consistently demonstrated excellence and innovation in energy-related fields, making significant contributions to the industry’s growth and development. Yet, their voices remain under-represented,” she added.

Fatai-Williams called on President Tinubu and other relevant stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to reflect the principles of gender inclusion in governance and ensure that qualified women are appointed to lead across the energy value chain.

“It is vital that women are not only included but empowered to lead at every level. This will not only enhance the industry but also set a precedent for future generations, where equality in leadership is not merely aspirational but a reality,” she emphasised.

While acknowledging the positive steps in the restructuring of the NNPC board, WIEN highlighted the strategic importance of the appointments, especially in the face of Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

She praised the appointment of Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and the inclusion of six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, alongside representatives from the Ministries of Petroleum Resources and Finance.

WIEN also expressed appreciation for the appointment of Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, as the only woman on the board. “We extend our congratulations to her and assure her of our full support,” said Fatai-Williams.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the federal government in achieving its gender inclusion goals and offered to assist in identifying highly qualified female professionals from across the country who are ready to serve.

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“WIEN remains committed to advocating for the full inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles across Nigeria’s energy sector,” Fatai-Williams stated. “We look forward to continued dialogue and action to correct this imbalance.”