Meanwhile, GEPetrol's hiring of a new general director and other key directors as part of a strategic restructuring will make the national oil company better positioned to carry out its expansion.
The Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, appointed Jose Manuel Abaga Mba to become his chief of staff. Mba replaces Lucas Nguema Mbulito, who recently became the CEO of the public power company SEGESA. Meanwhile, Mercedes Eworo Milam has been named director of petroleum economics, replacing Tomás Felix Ongo Ehapo. Milam will also retain her position as director general of hydrocarbons, representing a merger of the hydrocarbons and petroleum economics portfolios.
The ministry has also merged the Departments of Industry and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The director of Industry will now be Cesar Augusto Hinestrosa Gomez, who has overseen Equatorial Guinea's application to become an EITI member. Jose Luis Elema Borengue is now director of Quarries and retains his role as director of Mines. Oscar Vicente Garcia Berniko is the new director of National Content, replacing the outgoing Agustin Mba Okomo. Lastly, Leoncio Amada Nze has been named director of Company Relations.
"The restructuring will create a leaner and more effective ministry, reflecting the Minister's strong commitment to good governance. These moves coincide with a reorganisation at GEPetrol that will only make the company and the rest of the industry stronger going forward," says NJ Ayuk, CEO of Centurion Law Group.
GEPetrol recently named Antonio Engonga Oburu as general director, replacing Candido Nsue Okomo, who was appointed Secretary of State in the Ministry of Youth and Sports in April. Also promoted were Vicente Abeso Mbuy as deputy general director, and Gabriel Mbaga Nchama as second director.
