The member representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Esosa Iyawe, has praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the “timely and strategic” overhaul of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) board. Iyawe believes the shake-up is a step in the right direction and will help address inefficiencies in the state-owned oil giant, while also opening new doors for growth in the nation’s energy sector.
President Tinubu recently announced a new leadership structure for the NNPC, replacing its top management. Among the key appointments are Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Ahmadu Kida as the new Board Chairman.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued in Abuja, Iyawe, an engineer-turned-lawmaker, commended the president for demonstrating bold leadership and vision. He said the restructuring would play a major role in revitalising Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“I wholeheartedly commend President Bola Tinubu for his timely and strategic decision to restructure the leadership of the NNPC,” Iyawe said. “This bold move reflects a deep commitment to reform, transparency, and long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s energy sector.”
The lawmaker noted that for a long time, the NNPC has been plagued with operational bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and lack of investor confidence. He expressed optimism that the reconstitution of the board would reverse that trend and lay the groundwork for meaningful change.
“The reshuffling is a clear step towards enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, and driving the diversification of our gas market. These are essential pillars for economic growth and energy security,” he added.
He also expressed support for Tinubu’s agenda to increase Nigeria’s oil production capacity, improve refining capabilities, and diversify the gas market. According to him, the newly appointed NNPC leadership team is well-positioned to implement policies that will unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vast natural resources.
Iyawe called on the new management to take the responsibility seriously and seize the opportunity to make a lasting impact. “To the newly appointed NNPC leadership, this is not just a call to duty; it is a historic opportunity to reset the trajectory of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Nigerians are looking to you to embrace innovation, uphold transparency, and ensure that the nation’s vast energy resources translate into tangible benefits for all citizens.”
He further emphasized that the new board must prioritise the restoration of public trust, elimination of waste, and full accountability to drive the sector forward. “You are entrusted with a responsibility that goes beyond numbers and statistics, it is about rebuilding trust, promoting value for money, eliminating inefficiencies, and creating a resilient energy sector that supports job creation and national prosperity. Your success will be a defining legacy for this administration and a cornerstone for Nigeria’s economic revival,” he stated.
The restructuring of the NNPC board comes amid growing pressure to reform Nigeria’s petroleum industry and boost investor participation. Recent reports indicate that crude oil production and refining capacity remain below target, and several pipeline projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and the OB3 project, are yet to be completed. Workers’ unions have also threatened industrial action over alleged management issues within the NNPC.
Hon. Iyawe’s comments add to a growing list of voices calling for urgent transformation in the energy sector, as Nigeria battles declining revenues, rising debts, and an unstable foreign exchange market. The lawmaker believes that a well-managed NNPC is critical to national development and should be a catalyst for economic recovery and sustainable growth.
