President should not double as Petroleum Minister

If the current volatility in crude oil production and pricing mechanism of petroleum products, majorly Premium Motor Spirit and diesel in Nigeria’s oil sector are not enough signals that all is not well in the nation’s oil and gas industry, then the recent rejection of 13 oil wells in the latest oil licensing round bid should stand as a testament to non-functional government policies, programmes and dispositions towards enforcing transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline in the all-important oil and gas sector of the economy hence the urgent need for re-cussing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the portfolio of Petroleum Minister and the subsequent appointment of a substantive Minister in that regard.

Oil and gas industry, the world over operates on global benchmark which does not make room for trust deficits.

For decades, Nigeria’s petroleum industry remains the backbone of the nation’s economy. Despite years of repeated promises to diversify the economy, crude oil and gas continue to account for the bulk of government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

Again, experience has shown that decisions taken in the petroleum sector have direct consequences for transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, electricity generation, inflation, employment and the overall cost of living.

It is therefore not an ordinary ministry but one that requires full-time attention, technical expertise and unwavering accountability and should therefore not be concessioned to an incumbent president on part time basis which is what currently obtains in Nigeria.

It is against this background that the recurring practice of Nigerian presidents appointing themselves as Minister of Petroleum deserves urgent reconsideration.

Over the past decade, successive administrations have justified this arrangement on grounds of strategic national interest. Yet the outcomes have hardly matched the expectations. The sector continues to grapple with declining investments, crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, regulatory uncertainty, fluctuating fuel supply, controversies surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and poor transparency. These persistent challenges raise a fundamental question: should the President continue to combine the enormous responsibilities of the nation’s highest office with the demanding portfolio of Petroleum Minister? For us the answer should be in the negative.

In truth, the office of the President is one of the busiest and most demanding in any democratic system. The President serves as Head of State, Head of Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He oversees national security, foreign policy, economic management, appointments into key public institutions and countless other constitutional obligations. So, adding the supervision of the country’s most strategic economic sector inevitably stretches the capacity of any individual, regardless of competence or experience.

Besides, the petroleum ministry is itself a complex institution requiring continuous engagement with local and international investors, regulators, host communities, labour unions, environmental agencies and development partners. It requires prompt policy decisions, regular stakeholder consultations and effective monitoring of implementation. These responsibilities cannot receive adequate attention when they compete with the daily demands of the presidency.

Another major concern is in our view, is accountability. In every functioning democracy, ministers are expected to answer questions, defend policies before the National Assembly, explain government decisions and accept responsibility for failures within their ministries.

However, when a president occupies that office, such accountability becomes blurred. It becomes politically difficult for legislators, oversight institutions or even members of the executive to subject the petroleum ministry to rigorous scrutiny. Consequently, institutional checks and balances become very weaker.
The Petroleum Industry Act was enacted to improve governance, transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Its success depends largely on strong institutions rather than concentration of authority in one office. Therefore, appointing a competent substantive minister would reinforce institutional governance, ensure clearer reporting lines and allow policy implementation to receive focused leadership. It would also send a positive signal to investors that Nigeria is committed to professional management of its most strategic industry.

There is also the issue of expertise. While presidents may possess broad administrative and political experience, the petroleum sector increasingly requires specialised knowledge of global energy markets, energy transition policies, investment negotiations, technological innovation and environmental sustainability. A dedicated minister with proven competence and industry experience would be better positioned to engage international stakeholders, respond quickly to emerging challenges and develop long-term strategies that advance Nigeria’s national interest.

Furthermore, separating the offices promotes better policy coordination. A substantive minister would devote adequate time and energy to monitoring refinery rehabilitation, expanding domestic refining capacity, encouraging gas utilisation, reducing crude oil theft and implementing reforms capable of attracting fresh investment. On the other hand, the President would retain overall policy direction while allowing professionals to handle operational responsibilities. This division of labour reflects sound governance practice.

We disagree with supporters of presidential control who, often argue that the strategic importance of petroleum sector justifies direct supervision by the President. While the sector undoubtedly deserves close presidential attention, direct supervision does not require personal occupation of the ministerial office.
Presidents routinely exercise oversight over defence, finance, education and health without personally serving as ministers. Petroleum should not be treated differently. Effective leadership lies in appointing capable individuals, setting clear performance targets and holding them accountable for results.

Nigeria’s current economic realities further strengthen the case for reform. Rising energy costs, declining purchasing power, unemployment and persistent fiscal pressures demand efficient management of petroleum resources. The country cannot afford governance arrangements that concentrate authority while limiting accountability. Citizens deserve a sector managed with professionalism, transparency and measurable performance.

Ultimately, good governance is built on strong institutions rather than powerful individuals. Therefore, Nigeria’s petroleum industry is too important to depend on one office already burdened with enormous constitutional responsibilities. The President should provide strategic leadership, formulate broad policy direction and ensure effective oversight. Day-to-day administration of the petroleum ministry should rest in the hands of a competent, experienced and fully accountable minister.

The time to end the practice of a sitting President serving simultaneously as Minister of Petroleum is now. Such a reform would strengthen accountability, improve efficiency, deepen institutional governance and enhance public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s most critical economic sector. The nation stands to gain when responsibility is properly delegated and performance becomes easier to measure.

For a better society

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