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Juba – Alwadi Newspaper
The Board of Directors of the Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET), South Sudan’s national oil and gas company, held its first meeting of 2026 under the chairmanship of Board Chairman Africano Mande, with the participation of the Managing Director and CEO, Emmanuel Athiei Ayual, along with board members and senior government officials.
The meeting reviewed a report presented by the Cash Call Audit Committee concerning the company’s financial obligations to the three Joint Operating Companies (JOCs): DPOC, GPOC, and SPOC. The management confirmed that NILEPET had successfully overcome its default status and fully settled all monthly operational obligations.
According to the report, NILEPET benefited from rising global oil prices and increased production levels to settle significant financial dues related to both the company’s and PETRONAS’ participating interests in DPOC operations. The corporation has also developed a plan to complete the settlement of historical obligations related to SPOC during May and June of this year.
The Board praised the role played by the Audit Committee, noting that the audit findings contributed to restoring financial credibility and strengthening the company’s ability to undertake strategic planning for the coming period. The Board also commended Managing Director Emmanuel Athiei Ayual for his leadership in advancing financial reforms within the institution.
As part of its reform and development agenda, the Board issued several directives and resolutions aimed at strengthening the company’s financial stability and supporting the national economy. These include establishing cash reserves to cover future operational obligations, settling outstanding pipeline tariff payments, and enhancing financial coordination between NILEPET, the Ministry of Finance, and relevant stakeholders.
The meeting also discussed plans to attract a new strategic investor in cooperation with the Ministry of Petroleum and international partners to invest in refinery projects and the construction of a crude oil pipeline linking Tharjath and Paloch. The initiative aims to increase oil production in the area to approximately 80,000 barrels per day.
The NILEPET Board of Directors reaffirmed its commitment to continuing institutional reforms, enhancing transparency, and developing the energy sector in a way that contributes to sustainable economic growth in South Sudan.
