SOUTH SUDAN: President Salva Kiir Establishes Committee For Reforming Nilepet Oil Corporation

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

On Tuesday evening, President Salva Kiir announced the formation of a committee aimed at reforming the Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet), the state-owned oil enterprise of South Sudan.

In an official order broadcast by the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir outlined that the new committee will be led by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, with support from the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Service, while the Managing Director of Nilepet will act as the Secretary-General.

The primary objective of the committee is to restructure Nilepet, ensuring that its human resources and organizational framework are in compliance with national laws and align with industry best practices in the oil and gas sector.

President Kiir stressed the importance of developing a human resources policy that fosters equal employment opportunities, focusing on merit, regional diversity, and gender equity. He emphasized the necessity for a seamless transition of Nilepet into a more efficient, vision-driven, and accountable national institution.

In addition, the committee is tasked with revamping the payroll and human resources management systems to identify and eliminate duplicate and fictitious employee records. The committee is empowered to submit its findings and recommendations to the president within 90 days of its establishment.

The committee members will also include:

The Head of Legal Administration in the Office of the President

The Chairperson of the National Petroleum and Gas Commission, Daniel Awow Chuong

A Technical Advisor from the Ministry of Petroleum

The Director-General of the Internal Security Bureau

A representative from the National Security Service

In a related decree, President Kiir relieved Dr. Esterina Novello Nyilok of her responsibilities as Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS Commission, appointing Dr. Justin Kawac Kawac Makuei as her successor.

Additionally, Kiir announced the replacement of Puok Nyang Tut Jiek Deng as Commissioner of Akobo County in Jonglei State, appointing James Akueth Makuach in his place.