Shake-up hits NNPCL as 200 staff laid off

News Update

THE Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Bayo Ojulari, has reportedly shown exit door to at least 200 officials of the state-owned oil company.

Ojulari, a former Shell executive, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to succeed departed Mele Kyari as GCEO.

According to Peoples Gazette, multiple company sources named those affected to include Bala Wunti, former head of NAPIMS, and Lawal Sade, the agency’s chief compliance officer.

The report further said Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of the Port Harcourt Refinery, has also been excused from the organisation, sources said.

The sources said they were either forced to retire or their engagement terminated with immediate effect.

“Over 200 employees have just been asked to go,” a top official said under anonymity to discuss the action.

“This restructuring will enhance female representation in leadership positions.”

Meanwhile, the report further said Ojulari elevated Maryamu Idris to replace Lawal Sade as managing director of trading.

“Obioma Abangwu was appointed chief liaison office for NNPC’s management board,” The Gazette heard.

A corporate communications spokesman for the NNPCL did not immediately return a request seeking comments about this development.