A civil society think tank, the Niger Delta Situation Room (NDSR) has lauded the bold energy policy initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that if implemented religiously, Nigerians will start to reap the benefits that accrue to oil production. The group also noted that in order to ensure the success of the president’s vision, it is necessary that only competent and tested technocrats in the energy sector, should be allowed to drive the process of transforming the presidents policy visions into action.
The group disclosed this at the close of a one day workshop in Port Harcourt, that drew Petroluem industry experts, Paramount rulers of oil bearing and producing communities, youth organisations and the media.
According to the group, in a communique produced at the end of the workshop, “On 28 February 2024, his Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, signed three Executive Orders as part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) commitment to improve the investment climate and position Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the Petroleum Sector in Africa. The Executive Orders, which became effective 28th February 2024, are as follows: Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order, 2024
Presidential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024
Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines, 2024”
The communique read by Comrade Ala Francis noted that, “There is no doubt that President Tinubu is poised to revolutionize Nigeria’s energy landscape. But to do this successfully, he needs to engage capable, trusted and tested Nigerians to drive the process on his behalf. People who knows and understands the countrys energy sector. One such person is Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye. With over 30 years of experience, Engr. Tombomieye possesses the requisite knowledge, skill set, and passion to drive growth and development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector”.
The group noted that achieving a new paradigm shift in the nations energy sector will not come by chance. It must come from good leadership, anchored on excellence and competence. In the words of General Colin Powell, former Chairman of the United States Joint Chief of Staff and the first African American to be appointed as Secretary of State, “you have to appoint the right calibre of people to deliver good results”.
He said, “The organisation doesn’t really accomplish anything. Plans don’t accomplish anything either. Theories of management don’t matter. Endeavours succeed or fail because of the people involved. Only by attracting the best people will you accomplish great deeds.”
“As a former Executive Vice President (Upstream) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Tombomieye was praised for his leadership, expertise in operations, engineering, project management, and commercial strategy. He is also recognized for his commitment to excellence, integrity, and transparency, with accolades from professional bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE)”.
Speaking further, the convener of the group, Sir Hon. Karl Chinedu Uchegbu, discolsed that NDSR believes that Tombomieye’s appointment would bolster efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and enhance growth in the oil and gas industry.
“We strongly recommend Engr. Tombomieye for a vital position, as his expertise, leadership, and passion are valuable assets to President Tinibu’s energy policy objectives,” the group stated.
The organisation also noted that Engr. Tombomieye’s appointment will further reassure the Niger Delta that it is being carried along in President Tinibu’s energy policy revolution. The organization equally reiterated its commitment to supporting the Renewed Hope administration in achieving its campaign promises to transform Nigeria into an energy secured and developed nation.