Kiir relieves Standards Bureau chief, Petroleum Authority head in new decrees

JUBA – President Salva Kiir has relieved two senior government officials and appointed their replacements in a fresh set of Republican decrees announced on Friday.

In a press release issued by the Office of the President and signed by Africano Mande Gedima, Minister of Presidential Affairs, the changes affect leadership positions in the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority.

According to the statement dated March 6, 2026, the president relieved Mrs Gloria Nyoka Joseph Lagu from her role as Executive Director of the National Bureau of Standards and Secretary to the Council of the National Bureau of Standards. The decision was issued under Republican Decree No. 72/2026.

Also relieved from his position was Eng. Joseph Esbon Waiwai, who served as Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority in the Ministry of Petroleum. His removal was effected through Republican Decree No. 74/2026.

The presidential order announced that Mr Oiylang Dominic Kanuto has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the National Bureau of Standards and Secretary to the Council of the National Bureau of Standards. His appointment was made under Republican Decree No. 73/2026.

In a separate decree, Eng. Lual Chol Dak was appointed as the new Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority in the Ministry of Petroleum, replacing Waiwai. His appointment was issued under Republican Decree No. 75/2026.

The statement noted that the changes take effect immediately.

“The President wishes to express his profound gratitude to the outgoing officials for their dedicated service and contributions to the Nation during their tenure,” the statement said.

It added that the president also conveyed his best wishes to the newly appointed officials as they assume their new responsibilities.

Leadership changes in key government institutions are commonly announced through Republican decrees issued by the presidency. The National Bureau of Standards plays a central role in regulating product standards and quality assurance in the country, while the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority oversees exploration and production activities in South Sudan’s oil sector, the backbone of the country’s economy.

The latest appointments come as the government continues to make administrative adjustments across institutions as part of efforts to strengthen public service delivery.