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In a sweeping internal shake-up, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has removed over 200 senior staff members, including key allies of outgoing CEO Mele Kyari. The move signals a new leadership direction under incoming GCEO Bayo Ojulari.

  • High-ranking executives, including Bala Wunti (NAPIMS), Ibrahim Onoja (Kaduna Refinery), and Lawal Sade (Compliance/Trading) were relieved of duties.
  • The restructuring led to the appointment of Maryam Idrisu as MD of NNPC Trading and Obioma Abangwu as board liaison officer.
  • Over 200 staff members across subsidiaries are affected as Ojulari begins his overhaul from corporate HQ to operations units.
  • The shake-up touches critical business arms including NNPC E&P, Gas Marketing, EnServ, Retail, Shipping, and NNPC Foundation.
  • Management says the goal is to ensure qualified leadership and align staffing with national oil and gas priorities.

For many career staff at NNPC, the sweeping dismissals mark an abrupt end to years of service and influence. Meanwhile, the restructuring has created unease but also cautious optimism among employees hoping for performance-driven leadership.

With new appointees in place, will this restructuring finally deliver the efficiency and reform the NNPC has long promised? Industry watchers are now focused on whether Ojulari can match bold moves with measurable results.