Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Heineken Lopkobiri has been accused of interloping into administrative matters of the Nigerian content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB for his selfish reasons.
The group operating under the guise of Concerned Oil Service Group, in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday made an appeal to President Bola Tinubu to call the erring Minister to order, saying he wanted certain persons deployed to some strategic positions in the agency to protect his interest, a development that got him involved in hearted dispute by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Omatsola Ogbe.
According to the group, the Executive Secretary who know details of the mandate of the board was insisting on competence in the redeployment of staff, but Lopkpobiri’s motives double crosses the organizational mandate with its possible consequences if he was not called to order immediately.
The statement which was signed by President of the Concerned Oil Group, Trueson Ogiri, averred that the NCDMB, which is responsible for the implementation of policies aimed at promoting Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry, is regarded as vital in the country’s efforts to enhance indigenous participation and economic growth.
They said, the Minister’s meddlesomeness underrates independence and autonomy of the board as the Executive Secretary was beginning to experience some inhibitions in the day-to-day operations of the board.
The Minister’s action, the group noted, continue to wane and dampen morale of staff, particularly, as he has no business interloping into the affairs of the board, by imposing his preferred choices on some positions.
The group argued that such interference jeopardises the effectiveness and efficiency of the NCDMB and hampers its ability to execute its mandate effectively. Staff members who possess the requisite qualifications and experience for key roles are reportedly being bypassed, leading to demotivation and reduced productivity within the organisation.
It is further alleged that politically motivated appointments are being made, potentially compromising the integrity of the institution.
The NCDMB plays a crucial role in regulating and developing local content in the oil and gas sector, making it imperative that its decision-making processes are guided by competence, transparency, and adherence to established rules and procedures.
The concerned staff group therefore called for an immediate cessation of the Minister’s interference in staff redeployment matters, urging him to respect the Secretary’s authority and allow him to carry out his responsibilities without undue influence.
