The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has addressed rumors about the possible exit of its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, in January 2025. Contrary to reports suggesting Kyari’s retirement at 60, NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye has clarified that these claims are false.
Soneye, in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, stated that Kyari’s tenure is guided by his performance and the final decision lies with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum.
Some industry insiders speculated that Kyari might retire on January 8, 2025, when he turns 60, with rumors of Bayo Ojulari being a potential replacement. However, Soneye dismissed these claims, calling them mere rumors.
“The man (Mele Kyari) has his time and tenure; the president has the final say. As the Minister of Petroleum, anything he wants to do, he will do. For us, it is to continue with our work and do it right,” Soneye explained.
NNPC emphasized that its leadership decisions are based on expertise, skills, and the ability to deliver. Soneye stressed that the organization does not consider ethnicity, religion, or other sentiments when appointing leaders.
“This is a global energy company. Movement in the company is based on expertise, skills, and ability to deliver. We don’t focus on whether you are from a particular tribe or religion. Where Nigerians can deliver, we ensure they do,” he added.
The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 specifies that the GCEO’s tenure aligns with the Companies and Allied Matters Act, with an expected term ending in 2027. Despite this, President Tinubu retains the power to extend or terminate the tenure.
Recently, NNPC’s appointments have sparked debates over alleged ethnic favoritism. In a widely discussed article, Nigerian professor Farooq Kperogi criticized Tinubu for appointing individuals from specific regions, likening it to the practices of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai also commented, suggesting that inclusiveness should take precedence over exclusion. However, Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed these claims as unfounded.
NNPC has made notable leadership appointments in recent months. In November 2024, Adedapo Segun became the company’s Chief Financial Officer, while Isiyaku Abdullahi and Udobong Ntia were named Executive Vice Presidents of Downstream and Upstream operations, respectively.
These appointments reflect NNPC’s commitment to professional excellence and its strategy of prioritizing merit over other considerations.
As discussions continue about Mele Kyari’s future, it is clear that any decision regarding his tenure will be made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For now, NNPC remains focused on its mission of delivering value to Nigeria’s energy sector.
