President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fired Mele Kyari and reshuffled the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. The Presidency confirmed that the entire NNPC board, including its Group CEO, Mele Kyari, has been dismissed as part of the government’s effort to restructure the oil sector. This leadership shake-up follows their appointment in November 2023.
Tinubu Reshuffles NNPC Leadership with New Appointments
Following the sack, President Tinubu has announced a new 11-man board to lead NNPC. Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari has been appointed as the new Group CEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida takes over as the non-executive chairman. Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the Chief Financial Officer last year, remains on the board. This restructuring is expected to enhance efficiency and policy direction within the petroleum sector.
The newly appointed board ensures regional representation from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones:
- North West: Bello Rabiu
- North East: Yusuf Usman
- North Central: Babs Omotowa (Former MD, NLNG)
- South-South: Austin Avuru
- South West: David Ige
- South East: Henry Obih
Additionally, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Reshuffles NNPC Leadership to Tackle Oil Sector Challenges
This major leadership reshuffle aligns with President Tinubu’s broader energy reforms aimed at tackling inefficiencies, subsidy challenges, and boosting domestic refining capacity. With Bashir Bayo Ojulari at the helm, industry analysts anticipate significant policy shifts, focusing on stabilizing fuel prices, improving oil revenue, and enhancing NNPC’s transparency.
The coming months will reveal whether Tinubu’s decision to fire Mele Kyari and reshuffle NNPC leadership will bring tangible reforms or if it will remain another political move. Nigerians, weary of fluctuating fuel prices and economic challenges, are watching closely.
