VAM News Update
Oil workers are expressing the need for tangible outcomes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appeared to take up the role of the Petroleum Ministry, demonstrating his intention to actively engage with the sector.
Like his predecessor, Buhari, the President will head the petroleum ministry while a former Senator, Heineken Lokpobiri, is the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources.
President Tinubu unveiled the portfolios of all 45 ministers, confirming their appointments nine days after the Senate’s week-long screening exercise. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Monday at the State House Conference Centre in Aso Villa, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Director of Information at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, the ministers are allowed to bring two guests each to the event.
Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, emphasized that the President’s position as the Petroleum Minister is less significant than his performance. He stressed the importance of results over titles.
Petroleum expert Bala Zaka highlighted the pressing need for the petroleum minister to address issues like crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. He called for policies that attract investments and align with global practices to revitalize the sector.
Emeka Akabogu, a maritime lawyer and Convener of the OTL Africa Downstream initiative, noted that President Tinubu’s competence as president extends to his role as petroleum minister. Akabogu encouraged effective governance and the responsible discharge of duties by the newly appointed ministers.
The list of ministerial appointments included 13 ministers of state and introduced new ministries while renaming others. Notably absent from the list were the names of Nasir El-Rufai, Stella Okotete, and Danladi Abubakar, due to ongoing objections and security agency checks.
Despite the clamour by Abuja natives for an indigene to be appointed as the Federal Capital Territory Minister, former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike clinched the position. Mariga Mahmoud will work with Wike as the Minister of State, FCT, VAM News reports.
While the appointment of Nyesom Wike make him the first southerner to be appointed FCT Minister in 47 years.
VAM News Update