The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is reportedly undergoing a significant leadership reshuffling
President Bola Ahmed poised to appoint a new Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. This restructuring aims to revitalize the national oil company and enhance its operational efficiency.
Sources familiar with the matter have disclosed that Mr. Bayo Ojulari, a respected former executive at Shell, is being considered to replace the current Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. Ojulari’s extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, including his tenure as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), positions him as a strong candidate for the leadership role.
n addition to the change in CEO, the government is also expected to appoint a new Chairman of the Board. Mr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, a former Deputy Managing Director of Total Oil, is reportedly slated for this position. Kida’s background in engineering and his experience in the oil and gas industry make him a suitable choice to lead the board.
The current Board Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, who assumed the position in 2023, is anticipated to step down as part of this restructuring. The details of the transition and the specific roles of other key personnel are still being finalized.
While these changes are anticipated, reports suggest that Mr. Mele Kyari will remain in office until March 1st. Furthermore, there are indications that Roland Ewubare, who previously resigned from the NNPC as Chief Operating Officer, will return to assume the role of Group Chief Operating Officer.
Bayo Bashir Ojulari’s career trajectory showcases his expertise in the petroleum industry. He served in various leadership positions within Nigerian engineering organizations, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers. His experience spans across Europe and the Middle East, where he held managerial roles in petroleum, process, and production engineering, as well as health and safety.
Ahmadu Musa Kida’s background also reflects a deep involvement in the oil and gas sector. He began his career at ELF Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration & Production Nigeria, where he accumulated over 32 years of experience. His rise through the ranks led him to the position of Deputy Managing Director of the Deep Water Services division at Total Nigeria.
