By Yunus Yusuf
Women engineers under the Women in Energy Network (WIEN) have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as NUPRC Chief Executive.
WIEN described the appointment as a landmark for gender inclusion and leadership within Nigeria’s energy sector.
The appointment makes Eyesan the first woman to lead the upstream petroleum regulator, reflecting what WIEN called bold and inclusive governance.
In a joint statement in Lagos, WIEN President Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams and Executive Secretary Mrs Asanimo Omezi congratulated Eyesan and praised the President’s choice.
Fatayi-Williams said the appointment was inspiring and transformative, aligning with WIEN’s mission to expand female leadership across the energy value chain.
“This appointment sends a powerful message about inclusive leadership and the value of merit,” Fatayi-Williams said.
She added that Eyesan’s technical depth and professional pedigree make her well suited to lead the commission at a critical period.
“Appointing a technocrat of her calibre signals resolve to build a modern, resilient and transparent regulatory framework,” she said.
According to her, the development advances gender representation and reinforces WIEN’s advocacy for balanced and diverse leadership.
She expressed confidence that Eyesan’s leadership would entrench efficiency, accountability and excellence in upstream petroleum regulation.
Omezi described the appointment as a major boost for gender inclusion and future-ready leadership in the energy sector.
“This decision shows commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive leadership structure
“WIEN is proud of what this represents for women and remains committed to supporting their rise to leadership,” she said.
Eyesan, an Economics graduate of the University of Benin, brings over 30 years’ experience from NNPC and its subsidiaries.
She retired in November 2024 as Executive Vice President, Upstream, overseeing Nigeria’s upstream petroleum operations.
Her career includes roles as Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer and Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy.
She led NNPC Limited’s sustainability framework, strengthened financial discipline, improved cost efficiency and guided mergers, acquisitions and long-term capital allocation.
Eyesan also played key roles in government engagement on capital budgets and national development planning.
She led the resolution of the Escravos Gas-to-Liquid dispute, securing multi-million-dollar revenues for NNPC and Nigeria.
Stakeholders say her appointment positions the upstream sector for seasoned leadership, renewed confidence and a powerful symbol of progress for women. (NAN)