The International Women in Oil Marketing and Refinery has made a plea to President Bola Tinubu to consider appointing a female Group Managing Director (GMD) to lead the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to the organization’s Secretary-General, Dr. P.S. Bhandari, and African Continent Director-General, Ambassador Sarki Ibrahim, “The Nigerian oil and gas industry needs a redirection. It needs a breath of fresh air. Since oil exploration started in Nigeria, the position of Group Managing Director (GMD) has been the exclusive preserve of men. Yet, we are far from getting the desired oil and gas company that can compete favourably with its peers around the world. Mr. President, it’s time to give women a try and see if the outcome won’t be different.”
The organization cited past exemplary leadership demonstrated by women, highlighting the achievements of two illustrious Nigerian women — Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Director-General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
As the organization noted, “Women have proven themselves in high authority positions,” expressing the belief that “another woman could bring sanity to Nigeria’s troubled oil sector.”
Regarding President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, the organization stated, “For long, there has been a consensus among industry experts and laymen alike on the inevitability of removing fuel subsidies. The challenge has been ‘Who will bell the cat?’ This uncommon courage demonstrated by President Tinubu is leadership redefined. The hallmark of leadership is the courage to take hard decisions, and stay steadfast to nurture it to fruition.”
The organization also urged Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration amid the challenges that have come with the removal of fuel subsidies, emphasizing that this difficult measure is necessary for the country to achieve a healthy economy in the near future.
As they noted, “This analogy drives home the message that short-term sacrifices are necessary for long-term gains. President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aims to improve Nigerians’ lives, strengthen economic collaboration, foster social cohesion, and promote fairness and equity. The administration’s commitment to these goals is unwavering, despite the temporary hardships.”
The organization further likened the reforms to a woman’s pregnancy journey, stating, “It’s uncomfortable and painful, but ultimately leads to the joy of welcoming a new life.”
