Major shake-up as NNPC sacks over 200 officials

In a sweeping shake-up aimed at repositioning the organization, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dismissed at least 200 officials as part of its ongoing restructuring exercise.

Multiple internal sources confirmed that high-ranking executives, including Bala Wunti, the former head of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), and Lawal Sade, the Chief Compliance Officer, were among those affected. Both were reportedly forced to retire or had their appointments terminated with immediate effect.

Also impacted by the purge is Ibrahim Onoja, Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refinery, who has been relieved of his position, sources disclosed.

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NNPC’s C-suite and rank-and-file appeared excited about the exercise, multiple sources said, with some suggesting Mr Ojulari took the action to create broader opportunities for women and other minority groups to advance in the organisation.

“Over 200 employees have just been asked to go,” a top official said under anonymity to discuss the action. “This restructuring will enhance female representation in leadership positions.”

Mr Ojulari elevated Maryamu Idris to replace Lawal Sade as managing director of trading, an official said, where she would oversee crude oil transactions. Obioma Abangwu was appointed chief laiason office for NNPC’s management board, The Gazette heard.

A corporate communications spokesman for the NNPC did not immediately return a request seeking comments about today’s development.

Mr Ojulari, a former Shell executive, assumed office on April 4, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu a few days earlier. He replaced Mele Kyari, a career official who ran the oil giant for five years before his removal.

(PeoplesGazette)