The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has picked holes in the constitution of new board members of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), claiming it lacks sufficient female representation.

The group, which congratulated the new Group Chief Executive Officer and the 11-member team, led by a non-executive chairman, expressed displeasure that only one woman made the list.

The President, WIEN, Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams, in a statement, applauded President Bola Tinubu for bringing on board, a group of highly respected professionals to inject fresh perspectives and energy into the realisation of Nigeria’s national energy and economic aspirations.

She said this strategic reconstitution comes at a pivotal moment for the energy sector, one marked by transformation, diversification, and an ongoing transition toward sustainability.

These appointments, according to her, are expected to enhance operational efficiency, restore investors’ confidence, increase local content, boost economic growth, and advance the commercialisation and diversification of gas resources.

The group specially thanked President Tinubu for appointing Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, to the board as the only woman in the 11-member board.

“We extend our congratulations to her and assure her of our full support,” she stated.

However, WIEN enjoined the Presidency to address the “gender imbalance” in the new board of NNPC.

The group called on Tinubu to consider the inclusion of qualified women in the NNPC board and all boards within the Nigerian energy sector.

“We also urge the leadership of the National Assembly and other relevant government agencies to support the President in addressing this gender imbalance, ensuring that the full potential of Nigeria’s energy sector is realised.”