Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has become controversial due to his failure to comply with President Bola Tinubu’s directive concerning Nigeria’s representation at the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In contravention of a presidential order issued on May 6, Lokpobiri failed to appoint Nicholas Agbo-Ella as Nigeria’s OPEC Governor, exacerbating tensions within the ministry.

Agbo-Ella, who assumed the role of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources after Gabriel Aduda’s reassignment in February, was slated to replace Aduda as Nigeria’s representative at OPEC. However, sources within the Petroleum Ministry have revealed to Premium Times that Aduda, with the support of Lokpobiri, has continued to engage in OPEC activities.

This defiance persists despite President Tinubu’s clear instructions, as conveyed in a memorandum to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The memorandum, emphasizing the urgent need for Agbo-Ella’s appointment to align with Nigeria’s interests at the upcoming June 1, 2024 OPEC conference, underscores the gravity of the situation.

Furthermore, sources have indicated that while Aduda is still listed as Nigeria’s OPEC governor on the organization’s official website and social media platforms, Agbo-Ella was notably absent from the recent 165th Meeting of the OPEC Board of Governors.

The ongoing disregard for presidential directives raises concerns about the quality of governance and calls into question Nigeria’s adherence to its international commitments. The potential consequences of this controversy on Nigeria’s international standing and its adherence to the Petroleum Act, which stipulates that a senior official from the petroleum ministry must represent the country at OPEC, are of utmost importance.

A presidential aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed deep disappointment over the situation, stating, “I have never witnessed such blatant disregard for the office of the President by a minister who serves at the pleasure of Mr. President and doubles as Minister of Petroleum Resources.” This expression of disappointment underscores the seriousness of the situation.

According to sources within the ministry, Aduda has resisted leaving the petroleum ministry following his redeployment by the Head of Service of the Federation. Additionally, reports indicate that Aduda, a native of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, seeks to succeed the outgoing Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan. However, this claim remains unverified.