The Federal Government of Nigeria has defended the legality of Executive Order 9 of 2026, insisting that the directive was issued to protect the nation’s public revenue and ensure that constitutional procedures for managing petroleum income are properly observed.
In a detailed statement released by the Secretariat of the Executive Order 9 Implementation Committee, the government clarified that the executive order does not contravene the law, nor does it interfere with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, as some critics had suggested.
The clarification follows an article authored by Eze Onyekpere, published in the Blueprint Newspaper on March 9, 2026, which questioned the legality of the order, arguing that it may conflict with existing legislation governing the petroleum sector.
Responding to the claims, the government, through Tanimu Yakubu, Secretary of the Executive Order 9 Implementation Committee Secretariat, said the article drew conclusions without adequately considering the constitutional powers of the President.
“The argument suggesting that the existence of the Petroleum Industry Act prevents the President from issuing directives relating to petroleum revenue administration is not supported by Nigeria’s constitutional framework,” the statement read.
The Secretariat emphasized that Executive Order 9 of 2026 is a lawful directive issued in the public interest, aimed at ensuring proper management, monitoring, and accountability of funds derived from petroleum operations. It was described as a mechanism to strengthen Nigeria’s revenue systems and ensure compliance with constitutional mandates.
The statement also highlighted that the executive order complements existing legislation rather than conflicts with it, clarifying that the Petroleum Industry Act provides the framework for petroleum operations, while the President retains the authority to issue directives to safeguard public funds and ensure proper administration of national resources.
Legal and policy experts say that the government’s defense of Executive Order 9 underscores ongoing efforts to address perceived gaps in the management of petroleum revenue. They note that ensuring clarity and adherence to constitutional procedures is vital for public trust and transparency in one of Nigeria’s most critical economic sectors.
Tanimu Yakubu further stated that the implementation of the directive is being conducted in accordance with legal norms and is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of revenue collection, distribution, and oversight.
Observers note that the clarification also serves to counter concerns from stakeholders who feared that Executive Order 9 could override existing petroleum laws or undermine regulatory agencies. The government maintained that these fears are unfounded and reiterated its commitment to operating within the law.
As the debate continues in public and legal circles, the Federal Government’s position makes clear that the executive order is not intended to bypass established law but to reinforce Nigeria’s revenue management framework, ensuring that petroleum income is handled transparently, responsibly, and in line with constitutional provisions.
This move is part of broader efforts by the administration to enhance fiscal accountability, prevent revenue leakages, and strengthen oversight mechanisms within the petroleum sector, which remains a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
