The Coalition of Private Energy Entrepreneurs has voiced strong dissatisfaction with Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas).
Representing key stakeholders in the energy sector, the coalition highlights critical issues during Ekpo’s tenure:
Regulatory Inefficiencies: The coalition points to prolonged approval processes and unclear regulatory guidelines, which they say hinder innovation and expansion within the private energy sector.
Resource Allocation: They criticize the inequitable and inefficient distribution of gas resources, alleging favoritism that undermines fair competition and discourages investment.
Lack of Transparency: The ministry is accused of opaque decision-making, eroding trust among private sector stakeholders and hampering effective collaboration and accountability.
Policy Implementation: The coalition claims the minister has shown a lack of urgency and competence in enacting critical policies, leading to delays and inconsistencies detrimental to the sector’s progress and national energy security.
The coalition urges President Tinubu to replace Minister Ekpo with a more capable and proactive leader who understands the energy market and values private sector contributions. Greg Akume, President of the Coalition, emphasizes the private energy sector’s potential to support national goals of energy security, economic diversification, and sustainable development.
The coalition remains hopeful that President Tinubu will address their concerns promptly to ensure the energy sector thrives for all Nigerians.