President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, along with the entire board of the organization. The move, announced on April 2, also saw the removal of board chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure and other members appointed in November 2023.
New Leadership at NNPCL
In a sweeping restructuring, Tinubu appointed Engineer Bayo Ojulari as the new Group CEO, with Ahmadu Musa Kida assuming the position of Non-Executive Chairman. Chief Financial Officer Adedapo Segun, who was appointed in November 2024, retains his position.
The reconstituted 11-member board includes regional representation from across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones:
North West: Bello Rabiu
North East: Yusuf Usman
North Central: Babs Omotowa
South South: Austin Avuru
South West: David Ige
South East: Henry Obih
Additionally, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya from the Federal Ministry of Finance and Aminu Said Ahmed from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources will serve as board members.
Ojulari Brings Industry Expertise
The newly appointed NNPCL CEO, Bayo Ojulari, hails from Kwara State and brings extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. He previously served as the Executive Vice President of Renaissance Africa Energy Company and was the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) from 2015 to 2021.
Reforms and Industry Implications
The leadership shake-up signals Tinubu’s commitment to restructuring Nigeria’s oil sector. Industry observers anticipate further policy changes aimed at improving efficiency and boosting the country’s energy sector performance.
