TheCable

BY ADAGHER TERSOO

It is four years since Alhaji Ahmed A. Bobboi, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board took over the baton of leadership at the agency, saddled with the responsibility of reimbursing petroleum marketing companies for loss suffered solely and exclusively, as a result of the sale of petroleum products at government approved prices in Nigeria.

Since his assumption of office in 2016, Bobboi has brought his wealth of experience in the industry to bear. His administration has been able to maintain and improve good relationships with stakeholders, especially in the downstream sector which is evidenced in the smooth distribution and availability of petroleum products nationwide.

Being the first Executive Secretary to be appointed within the ranks, Bobboi has over the years, encouraged self development and capacity building for staff towards acquisition of skill, knowledge, discipline, accountability, efficiency and etiquette for improved job performance which has added value to the organisation.

Within this period of his stewardship, apart from ensuring that the entire value chain of operations at PEF(M)B is automated, the Bobboi-led Board has secured approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the procurement of Automated Fuel Management System and Sensor Network Solution to enhance delivery, monitoring, and management of downstream petroleum products nationwide which is geared at ensuring credibility in reporting for the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) by eliminating discrepancies in daily consumption volumes of petroleum products. This will also serve as a data repository for other organisations, national planning and economic development of the nation.

In line with the HMoS’s initiative for deepening gas penetration, domestication, utilisation and consumption, PEFMB under his leadership has commenced the evaluation of the provision of administrative support for infrastructural development in the downstream sector. The Board also advanced progressively in pursuing and implementing programs that align with the focus of the Oil and Gas industry passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) and the deepening of domestic gas utilisation & consumption and overall monetization of the gas resource.

While the Board under his leadership has continued to explore and establish programmes to support the Federal Government’s drive for job creation and establishment of small and medium scale businesses, it has been collaborating with other government agencies such as the National Information Technology Development (NITDA) for required technology standards and regulations, human capital development for Interns/NYSC and National Bureau of Statistics on petroleum products statistics and data management.

Other key achievements under his leadership is the continued mutual and beneficial industrial harmony with all Unions in the industry, improved collection and remittance of outstanding bridging allowances; uninterrupted payment of marketers claims to ensure efficient distribution and availability of petroleum products; uninterrupted operations even with COVID-19 pandemic; price stability and support micro-economic activities and support for marketer’s business operations.

In recognition of his various achievements, Alhaji Ahmed A. Bobboi has won numerous awards to include; Commendable Leadership in the Public Sector in 2018 by Texem-UK, Arewa Journalists Award, Business Day Award for Outstanding Leadership, Sardauna Azikiwe National Unity Award, National Hydrocarbon Award by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Friend of the Union Award by PENGASSAN, NITDA Governmental Digital Service Award: eGov Award, Best MDA (Recognition for compliance to NITDA clearance policy), 1st Runner-up, and Award of Excellence (in recognition of the Company’s Innovative & Quality Service Delivery in Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry) by PENGASSAN.

Ahmed Bobboi began his Public Service career as Administrative Officer II with the defunct Gongola State Civil Service in 1982 and proceeded to the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi where he rose to the rank of Principal Assistant Registrar (Head, Students’ Affairs Section).

He joined the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board in 1997 as a Chief Officer in the office of the Executive Secretary, where he brought in his administrative acumen to bear. Before his substantive appointment, he had served in different capacities as Head, Administration & Personnel Department; Zonal Coordinator (North West Operations); Zonal Coordinator (North East Operations); Manager in charge of Bridging Operations; Manager (DAPPMAN Operations); Zonal Manager (Enugu Zonal Operations); Zonal Manager (Ibadan Zonal Operations); General Manager (Admin & Personnel) and Acting Executive Secretary.

Born on December 18, 1956, Bobboi who hails from Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State graduated from University of Maiduguri where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Administration in 1981 and has been an astute administrator with over 20 years experience in the oil and gas industry.

He has attended several local and international conferences and trainings. He is on the Boards of Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).
Tersoo, a public affairs analyst, sent this from Abuja