In Nigeria, presidents are given the dual role of running the country while acting as the Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources
This dual role allows him to directly oversee the country’s oil and gas sector, a critical component of Nigeria’s economy.
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Historically, Nigerian presidents have often retained control over the petroleum portfolio due to its strategic importance, either by appointing a minister of state or, as in Tinubu’s case, assuming the role themselves.
The practice of Nigerian presidents assuming the dual role of Minister of Petroleum Resources began notably with President Olusegun Obasanjo during his first term from 1999 to 2007.
Obasanjo took direct control of the petroleum portfolio to oversee the critical oil and gas sector, which has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
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This trend has continued intermittently with subsequent presidents, including Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010), who also held the petroleum minister role for part of his tenure, and Goodluck Jonathan, who briefly oversaw the ministry before appointing a substantive minister.
President Bola Tinubu has been serving as the Minister of Petroleum Resources since he was sworn in on August 21, 2023 after his inauguration.
Assisting him are two Ministers of State: Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, appointed as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and Ekperikpe Ekpo, appointed as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas)