Ben Murray-Bruce To Tinubu: Nigeria Needs More ‘Mad Men’ In Government

Former senator and media entrepreneur, Ben Murray-Bruce, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint more result-driven officials to key sectors of the economy, particularly the petroleum industry, insisting that Nigeria needs more “mad men” in government.

In an open letter to the President, Murray-Bruce clarified that his use of the term “mad men” was not intended as an insult, but rather as a description of individuals who are bold enough to challenge the status quo, confront entrenched interests and pursue results without fear of becoming unpopular.

According to him, Nigeria requires public officials who are “crazy enough” to tackle the country’s longstanding structural problems and reject the culture of mediocrity.

“I mean men and women who are crazy enough to confront a broken system, step on powerful toes, offend entrenched interests and refuse to accept mediocrity simply because mediocrity has become normal,” he stated.

The former lawmaker commended the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, for restoring discipline and credibility to monetary policymaking, despite disagreements over some of the bank’s policies.

He also praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for bringing greater coordination and strategic direction to Nigeria’s security architecture, while acknowledging that significant security challenges still remain.

Murray-Bruce, however, argued that two high-performing officials were insufficient for a country with a population exceeding 200 million.

He specifically called for the appointment of more reform-minded officials in the petroleum sector, urging the President to make the rehabilitation and commercial operation of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries a national priority.

According to him, Nigerians have listened to enough explanations about turnaround maintenance, contractors, technical reviews and billions of naira spent on refinery rehabilitation.

ALSO READ: Tinubu Hails Adeleke’s Re-Election, Says Victory Confirms Nigeria’s Democratic Growth

“We want products coming out of those refineries,” he said.

He urged the Federal Government to explore different operational models, including concessions, public-private partnerships and the engagement of world-class technical partners, if such measures would guarantee efficient refinery operations.

Referencing the Dangote Refinery, Murray-Bruce noted that the privately owned facility had demonstrated what was possible within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

He proposed that the combined output of the country’s three government-owned refineries should target at least 325,000 barrels per day, representing 50 per cent of Dangote Refinery’s installed refining capacity.

He also reiterated the Tinubu administration’s target of increasing crude oil production to four million barrels per day by 2030, urging the President to appoint officials capable of achieving that objective.

According to him, Nigeria needs leaders who are prepared to fight oil theft, reduce production costs, unlock dormant assets, attract investment and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“We have had enough clowns. Nigeria is too important, our problems are too serious and the President’s remaining time is too precious for passengers in government,” he wrote.

He further warned that every minister, regulator and agency head occupying a strategic position in the economy must be held accountable for performance.

“If you cannot deliver, leave. If you are afraid of stepping on toes, leave. If protecting friendships is more important than protecting Nigeria’s interests, leave,” he said.

Concluding his message, Murray-Bruce urged President Tinubu to recruit more bold and unconventional reformers, particularly in the areas of petroleum production and refining.

He maintained that Nigeria’s economic future depends on achieving measurable results, restoring local refining capacity and transforming the country into a major exporter of refined petroleum products.

“No excuses. No clowns. No passengers. Only results,” he concluded.