The Vice President emphasized that a harmonized national petroleum strategy must avoid duplication of mandates, eliminate mismanagement, and close policy gaps that hinder the sector’s efficiency

By Aguok Chok

In a renewed push to align South Sudan’s petroleum sector with the nation’s development priorities, Vice President and Chairman of the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, is spearheading efforts to establish a harmonized national strategy for petroleum management. The move comes at a critical juncture for the young nation, whose economy remains heavily reliant on oil revenues despite mounting calls for diversification and sustainable governance.

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced a complex mix of challenges related to its oil sector, from revenue volatility and environmental degradation to governance lapses and conflict over resource control. With more than 90% of the country’s budget dependent on oil, global price shocks and internal disruptions have repeatedly exposed the fragility of this dependence. Analysts and policymakers alike have emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated, transparent, and people-centered petroleum policy to ensure long-term economic stability and inclusive development.

It is within this context that Vice President Bol met on Thursday with Hon. Alier Bullen Ngong, Chairperson of the National Petroleum and Gas Commission, at the VP’s office in Juba. Their high-level discussion focused on aligning national institutions and stakeholders behind a unified petroleum governance framework.

“The oil of South Sudan must work for the people,” Dr. Bol declared, echoing an earlier directive from President Salva Kiir Mayardit. “Our petroleum resources must no longer be a distant promise. They must deliver real, tangible benefits to ordinary South Sudanese.”

Stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and effective oversight, Dr. Bol called on the Commission to take proactive leadership in reforming the sector. “We must unlock the full potential of this sector as a catalyst for economic growth,” he said. “Our oil should not only fund today’s needs, but also support the future development of our nation.”

The Vice President emphasized that a harmonized national petroleum strategy must avoid duplication of mandates, eliminate mismanagement, and close policy gaps that hinder the sector’s efficiency. He highlighted the importance of stakeholder coordination, from government agencies to local communities and international partners, to ensure the sector becomes a true engine of transformation.

Responding to the Vice President’s call, Hon. Alier Bullen Ngong reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering on the President’s vision and Dr. Bol’s leadership. “We are fully aligned with the directive of His Excellency the President,” he said. “Our focus is on converting petroleum wealth into meaningful investments in health, education, infrastructure, and improved public services.”

According to Hon. Alier, the Commission’s roadmap includes tightening oversight on production activities, promoting transparency in contracts and investments, increasing local participation in the oil value chain, and ensuring equitable revenue distribution.

“Our people must see the value of this resource in their daily lives,” he noted. “It is our duty to make that happen.”

Moving Beyond Oil Dependency

The meeting comes at a time when South Sudan is under increasing pressure to reduce its dependency on oil and build a more diversified, resilient economy. Years of overreliance have exposed the country to severe external shocks—from declining oil prices to geopolitical instability in neighbouring Sudan—all of which have impacted the government’s ability to provide essential services, repay debts, and sustain development programs.

Moreover, disputes over oil-rich territories have fueled tension, while the lack of environmental safeguards has led to pollution and land degradation, especially in oil-producing states.

Recognizing these vulnerabilities, the government is keen to integrate environmental stewardship, social accountability, and equitable community benefits into the new petroleum strategy. Plans are underway to involve state governments, local communities, and development partners in shaping a governance model that reflects both national interest and grassroots realities.

“This is the time to act,” Dr. Bol concluded. “Let the oil of South Sudan bring prosperity to every household—not just in theory, but in practice.”

Learning from Global Success Stories

The experiences of oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates offer instructive examples. Both countries once depended almost exclusively on oil revenues. However, through bold vision, strategic planning, and disciplined investment, they have transformed their economies.

Today, the UAE, particularly Dubai, thrives on a diversified economic base that includes tourism, hospitality, aviation, logistics, real estate, and financial services. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 strategy, is actively reducing its dependence on oil, channelling investments into technology, education, and entertainment sectors.

The path they followed was not without challenges, but their success proves that oil can serve as a launchpad for broader economic transformation. Their wealth was not squandered; it was stewarded.

Can South Sudan not follow this example? Can we not emulate those who used their natural resources to build sustainable prosperity for their people?

It will require political will, strategic alignment, and unshakeable commitment to national interest over narrow gain. But it is possible.

The harmonization efforts led by Vice President Bol Mel may just be the first bold step toward that brighter horizon.