The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a key figure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have jointly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to hand over leadership of the petroleum ministry to a specialized, committed professional capable of addressing Nigeria’s persistent oil sector challenges.
In response to the recent cabinet reshuffle announced on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, referred to the adjustments as “cosmetic,” asserting they fall short of meeting Nigeria’s urgent needs.
He expressed concerns over Tinubu’s retention of the petroleum portfolio, alongside his decision to introduce a Ministry of Regional Development, which Ologunagba criticized for potentially increasing bureaucracy and stalling effective governance.
“Given Nigeria’s current situation, one would expect the president to assign the petroleum ministry to an experienced professional who can dedicate their full attention to studying and reforming the sector for the benefit of Nigerians,” Ologunagba argued.
“The current sluggishness in the sector reflects the need for focused leadership.”
Addressing the impact of Tinubu’s role in the petroleum sector, Ologunagba stated that despite the management by the president, Nigerians are still burdened by high fuel prices, noting that petrol should cost no more than N500 per litre.
He urged the government to reevaluate the subsidy removal, a policy he said has provoked widespread public dissatisfaction.
Ologunagba also voiced concerns over the newly established Ministry of Regional Development, calling it a “super monster” that could hinder regional progress.
“Why create a massive structure that contradicts the push for devolving power to the regions?” he questioned. “This ministry risks becoming a roadblock rather than an asset.”
Furthermore, he dismissed the reshuffle—impacting the women’s affairs and sports portfolios—as insufficient. “This reshuffle fails to address Nigeria’s economic crisis and is consistent with an APC-led government that lacks concern for the well-being of its citizens,” he added, emphasizing that the PDP had anticipated a more meaningful cabinet overhaul to improve Nigerians’ living standards.
Osita Okechukwu, a founding APC member and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, echoed similar concerns, urging Tinubu to step aside as Minister of Petroleum.
He cited the need for increased transparency within the oil industry, specifically to counter what he termed the “Oil mafia.”
Okechukwu warned that Tinubu’s leadership in the ministry could hinder the Coordinating Policy Unit led by Hadiza Bala Usman, compromising oversight and raising risks of “state capture” that could block reforms essential for revitalizing Nigeria’s oil sector.
He noted that these transparency issues have obstructed the country’s refineries from operating fully for decades.
“Relinquishing the petroleum ministry to a dedicated minister would help combat opacity in the sector and set the stage for much-needed improvements,” Okechukwu stressed, calling for a renewed commitment to tackle long-standing inefficiencies in Nigeria’s oil industry.
