Tinubu Sacks NNPCL CEO Mele Kyari, Names Bayo Ojulari As Replacement

Tinubu Reshuffles NNPCL Leadership, Appoints New Board Members

In a major shake-up within Nigeria’s oil sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari. The President has also dissolved the entire board, including its chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

Why Tinubu Took This Decision

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to Onanuga, President Tinubu exercised his authority under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to restructure NNPCL for enhanced operational efficiency, increased investor confidence, and greater commercial viability.

New NNPCL Leadership Team

Following this decision, Tinubu has appointed an 11-man board to oversee the affairs of NNPCL. The new leadership includes:

Bashir Bayo Ojulari – Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO)
Ahmadu Musa Kida – Non-Executive Chairman
Adedapo Segun – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Bello Rabiu – Non-Executive Director (North West)
Yusuf Usman – Non-Executive Director (North East)
Babs Omotowa – Non-Executive Director (North Central), former MD of NLNG
Austin Avuru – Non-Executive Director (South-South)
David Ige – Non-Executive Director (South West)
Henry Obih – Non-Executive Director (South East)
Lydia Shehu Jafiya – Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance
Aminu Said Ahmed – Representative of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources

These new appointments are effective immediately from April 2, 2025.

Implications of the NNPCL Shake-Up

This major restructuring is expected to restore credibility to Nigeria’s oil sector, attract foreign investors, and drive economic growth. The decision comes amid ongoing efforts to reform the petroleum industry, ensuring NNPCL operates with increased transparency and efficiency.

What’s Next for NNPCL?

Industry experts anticipate that the new leadership team will focus on policy reforms, crude oil production stabilization, and tackling fuel subsidy challenges. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s oil sector, signaling a commitment to effective governance.

For more information on this development, visit NNPCL Official Website.