The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited says there is no plan to remove the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mele Kyari. The spokesperson of the NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, stated this in a chat with our correspondent on Friday.
Following the major shakeup in the company on Wednesday, an international newspaper reported that Kyari might be compelled to vacate his office before the end of the year. “As the Nigerian National Petroleum Company undergoes a leadership overhaul, the group CEO Mele Kyari may be forced out before year-end.
“Insiders tell The Africa Report that more changes will follow in the coming weeks, culminating in the removal of Kyari as CEO,” the newspaper said.
A source was quoted to have said, “Kyari has been in the danger zone for some time. He has told confidantes of his readiness to leave. He will likely leave in the next couple of weeks.” However, in an interview with our correspondent, Soneye described the report as a baseless speculation, wondering if the newspaper were Kyari’s employer.
“One might wonder if they were the ones who hired Mele Kyari, given their apparent insight into his career plans. Such baseless speculation is not only laughable but also a testament to the lengths some will go to craft immature narratives,” Soneye said.
Setting the record straight, Soneye explained that Kyari is performing exceptionally well in steering the energy sector towards success.
According to him, the NNPC under his watch had transitioned from losses to profit declaration. He stated that the NNPC just reached a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day, saying this was a testimony to Kyari’s efforts as the GCEO.
“Let’s set the record straight: GCEO Mele Kyari is performing exceptionally, steering Nigeria’s energy sector toward unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has transitioned from years of losses to declaring profits—a historic achievement. Just yesterday (Thursday), we reached a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day, a testament to his unwavering commitment,” he stressed.
The spokesman emphasised that Kyari is focused on actualising President Bola Tinubu’s vision for progress in the energy sector. “Mr Kyari remains focused on actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for progress and development in the sector, ensuring energy security for our nation. So, to address the rumour: it’s as credible as a mirage in the desert,” he added.
The petroleum company on Wednesday announced the appointment of Isiyaku Abdullahi as the Executive Vice President, Downstream; Udobong Ntia as the Executive Vice President, Upstream; and Adedapo Segun as the Chief Financial Officer.
