By Ayomide Otitoju
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has raised concerns over the limited female representation on the newly reconstituted board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), following President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments.
In a statement issued Friday, WIEN President Eyono Fatai-Williams congratulated the appointees but criticized the fact that only one woman was named among the 11 board members.
“This glaring gender imbalance contradicts the president’s commitment to 35% female representation in leadership roles under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Fatai-Williams said. “Women have consistently contributed to Nigeria’s energy sector, yet remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces.”
She urged the administration and National Assembly to take deliberate steps to correct the imbalance, stressing that gender inclusion is not only fair but essential for sustainable development in the energy industry.
WIEN commended the appointment of Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, as the sole female board member and pledged its support for her. The organization also welcomed the appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer, replacing Mele Kyari.
While applauding the overall strategic direction of the appointments, WIEN reiterated its readiness to assist in identifying qualified women for future board roles within the energy sector.
