Presidency insiders described the decision as a strategic move to revitalise the NNPCL, stating that the previous leadership had become stagnant.
By Titilope Adako
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to remove Mele Kyari and the entire board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was driven by concerns over their performance and failure to meet key production targets, according to Presidency officials.
As part of a broad restructuring, Tinubu appointed Bashir Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), effective April 2, 2025, while Musa Ahmadu-Kida was named the non-executive chairman of the board.
Presidency insiders described the decision as a strategic move to revitalise the NNPCL, stating that the previous leadership had become stagnant.
“The President did this because of their performance. The former people were taking us in circles,” an official told The Punch anonymously.
“You need new people to bring new energy into the system.”
The official further noted that the newly constituted board consists of “core industry professionals” instead of political figures.
The new leadership has been given a mandate to stabilise crude oil production at two million barrels per day by 2027 and increase output to three million by 2030. Additionally, they are expected to ensure the production of 10 billion cubic meters of gas.
“He gave them his performance metrics. He asked them to review all blocks because we want to know which ones are producing and which are not,” the official added.
Industry stakeholders have largely welcomed the changes.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed support for the overhaul and urged the incoming leadership to focus on revitalising Nigeria’s refineries.
“We congratulate the new man and charge him to ensure that all these government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna are producing enough fuel for the economy,” said IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike.
The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) also backed Tinubu’s decision, describing it as a “bold step towards repositioning the oil and gas industry for greater efficiency, transparency, and profitability.”
Johnbosco Uche, NAPE’s President, stressed the importance of improving operational efficiency and restoring investor confidence.
Similarly, the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) called on the new board to prioritise domestic refining and energy security.
“We hope that the new NNPCL board will be bullish in the quest to make Nigeria self-sufficient in domestic refining,” said CORAN’s Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko.
The Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria also urged the board to set a target of refining 700,000 barrels per day to help achieve energy independence.
Professor Emeritus Wumi Iledare, a respected oil and gas expert, voiced optimism about the appointments, highlighting that this is the first time the NNPCL board is largely free from political interference.
“Finally, NNPCL has a board that is majorly apolitical,” he remarked, while also urging the new management to tackle pressing issues such as the naira-for-crude arrangement and asset divestment.
Following the shake-up, NNPCL employees paid tribute to Kyari and the outgoing board, acknowledging their efforts during their tenure.
“Mr. Kyari’s leadership and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on NNPC Ltd.,” stated the company’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye.
Tinubu also commended the outgoing team for their role in rehabilitating the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
Kyari’s dismissal comes amid tensions over NNPCL’s decision to reject selling crude to the Dangote refinery in naira, despite a directive from the Presidency.
This dispute is believed to have contributed to the recent rise in petrol prices, which jumped from N860 to N930 per litre.
Meanwhile, ex-militant leader and Tantita Security Services Chairman, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, lauded Tinubu’s choice of professionals to lead the NNPCL.
“This decision underscores his administration’s dedication to ensuring that only competent hands are entrusted with optimising the vast benefits of our nation’s oil and gas sector,” he said.
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