By Chuol Chanyong  

In a move toward structural reform within the state-owned Nile Petroleum Company, President Salva Kiir has issued a presidential decree establishing a committee to reform Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet).

This step comes as part of a broader series of reforms led by the government to address structural challenges in the state-owned company.  

According to the statement, the committee will be chaired by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Service serving as deputy, while the Director-General of Nilepet will act as the committee’s Secretary-General.  

Meanwhile, the members of the committee includes, the head of the Legal Administration Department in the Office of the President, he chair of the National Oil and Gas Commission, Awow Daniel Chuang, a technical advisor from the Ministry of Petroleum, the Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau, and a representative from the National Security Service

Kiir directed the committee to restructure the company in line with global best practices in the petroleum sector, focusing on strengthening governance and transparency, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing accountability mechanisms  

The committee has been given 90 days to submit its reports and recommendations to the President, indicating the urgency of implementing reforms within a defined timeframe.  

President Kiir emphasized the need for the committee to develop a human resources policy that promotes equal employment opportunities based on merit, regional diversity, and gender balance.

Also, the committee has been tasked to ensure the transition of the company into an efficient national institution that achieves its vision and remains accountable.  

The formation of the committee comes in response to long-standing challenges at Nilepet, including administrative issues and operational inefficiencies, which have negatively impacted the vital oil sector.