Prof. Kila to Tinubu: Step Back from Petroleum Role, Empower a Full-Time Minister
Renowned political economist and Director of the Commonwealth Institute, Professor Anthony Kila, has called on President Bola Tinubu to relinquish his role as the de facto Minister of Petroleum and appoint a dedicated, full-time minister to steer Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Kila made the statement while speaking on a national television programme, where he critiqued the recent overhaul of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) board. He argued that while the dismissal of Chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure and Group CEO Mallam Mele Kyari signals an intent to reset the troubled state-owned oil company, the move alone is insufficient.
"Changing the board is not enough," Kila asserted. "The NNPC requires a complete rebirth, one rooted in transparency, accountability, and a focused strategy to revive domestic refining capacity."
He stressed that beyond leadership changes, structural reforms must follow, especially with a clear vision to get Nigeria’s refineries functional and profitable.
The professor also criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the reasons for the board shakeup, describing the official communication as vague. “This company belongs to all Nigerians. When such a major change is made, we deserve full disclosure on the rationale behind it and what new direction is being taken,” Kila said.
Turning to the issue of governance, Kila advised President Tinubu to appoint a substantive Minister of Petroleum to take full charge of the portfolio. “In a nation of over 200 million people, it is neither strategic nor sustainable for one individual to serve simultaneously as President and Minister of Petroleum. Nigeria needs a focused and visible leader in that ministry,” he said.
The public affairs expert’s comments echo a growing sentiment among industry watchers and civil society advocates who argue that Nigeria's petroleum sector—central to the country's economy—needs stronger institutional leadership and less centralised control.
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