By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Austin Avuru, an oil industry veteran from the Isoko ethnic group, as a non-executive director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), representing the South-South region.

The group views this as a step towards addressing the marginalisation of the Isoko people and the broader Niger Delta, a key oil-producing area.

Avuru, with extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, joins the NNPCL board.

In a statement signed by convener Iteveh Nurudeen Ekpokpobe, the NDDA noted the appointment’s significance for the region and highlighted Avuru’s Isoko heritage.

The NDDA also noted the recent appointment of Bashir Ojulari as NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO).

The statement reads: “The Niger Delta Development Agenda acknowledges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Austin Avuru as a non-executive director of NNPCL, representing the South-South region.

“As an Isoko man, I acknowledge the President’s decision to include Isoko representation. Avuru’s appointment reflects an effort to engage industry professionals.

“This management, we hope, will help address the marginalisation of the Isoko people and the Niger Delta.

“The Niger Delta Development Agenda also takes note of Bashir Ojulari’s appointment as NNPCL GCEO.

“With Ojulari’s appointment, he is expected to lead NNPCL effectively. We recognise these changes and their potential impact on the energy sector.”