South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has officially relieved two senior government officials from their positions, marking a significant leadership reshuffle within South Sudan’s key institutions.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Gloria Nyoka Joseph Lagu, who served as Executive Director of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and Secretary to the Council of the NBS, and Eng. Joseph Esbon Waiwai, Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority under the Ministry of Petroleum, have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect through Republican Decrees Nos. 72/2026 and 74/2026.
The Ministry highlighted that President Kiir expressed profound appreciation for the outgoing officials, acknowledging their dedication, contributions, and service to the nation during their tenure.
Both Lagu and Waiwai have been commended for their roles in managing critical sectors that impact national standards, trade, and energy development.
Following the relief of the outgoing officials, President Kiir has appointed new leaders to fill these strategic positions.
Mr. Oiylang Dominic Kanuto has been named the Executive Director of the National Bureau of Standards and Secretary to the Council of the NBS under Republican Decree No. 73/2026, while Eng. Lual Chol Dak has been appointed Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority through Republican Decree No. 75/2026.
The Ministry of Presidential Affairs stated that these changes are effective immediately, emphasizing the importance of continuity and stability in the respective institutions.
President Kiir also conveyed his best wishes to the newly appointed officials, urging them to uphold standards, enhance institutional performance, and contribute to national development in their respective roles.
Observers note that these leadership changes come at a time when both the National Bureau of Standards and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority are critical to South Sudan’s economic growth.
The NBS plays a vital role in ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with national standards, while the Petroleum Authority is central to overseeing the country’s oil production and exploration activities, a key pillar of the national economy.
The Ministry further encouraged stakeholders and the general public to support the new appointees in their mandate to strengthen governance, institutional efficiency, and service delivery.
This reshuffle reflects President Kiir’s continued approach of ensuring that strategic leadership positions are staffed with officials capable of advancing South Sudan’s development agenda and maintaining accountability in key public institutions.
