- Mele Kyari’s Associates, Others Are fired
By Abiola Olawale
Reports emerging on Tuesday have revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reportedly undergone another significant management shake-up, which reportedly affected over 200 senior staff members, including key allies of former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari.
The action which was reported to have been initiated under the leadership of newly appointed GCEO Bayo Ojulari, is believed to be a bold step toward enhancing operational efficiency and transparency within Nigeria’s state-owned oil giant.
Some of those reportedly eased out are said to be high-profile figures closely associated with Kyari, who was removed from his position on April 2, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among those said to be affected include Bala Wunti, former chief of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), and Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of the Kaduna Refinery.
Also reportedly affected is Lawal Sade, the chief compliance officer and former managing director of NNPC Trading.
The reported restructuring is said to have also resulted in an increased representation of women in senior leadership roles.
This is as the NNPC has reportedly appointed Maryam Idrisu as managing director of NNPC Trading and Obioma Abangwu as chief liaison officer for board matters.
