By Ayomide Otitoju
Growing anxiety surrounds the impending expiration of Mele Kyari’s tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with speculation over potential leadership changes within the oil giant.
Kyari, who turns 60 on January 8, 2025, may step down from his role, according to industry observers, sparking debates about the future direction of the NNPCL. However, others argue his tenure should extend to 2027 under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which aligns board appointments with the Companies and Allied Matters Act and the firm’s Articles of Association.
Kyari, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019, has served over five years in his current role, transitioning from Group Managing Director to GCEO in 2022 when the NNPCL became a limited liability company. His tenure marks the longest by any chief executive since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Leadership Speculation and Ethnic Concerns
Reports suggest that Bayo Ojulari, a former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, is being considered as a potential successor to Kyari. This has fueled debates about ethnic representation within the NNPCL, with critics, including U.S.-based Nigerian professor Farooq Kperogi, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of favoring Yoruba appointees in key positions at the company.
In response, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai called for balanced inclusion, cautioning against what he termed “arrogant exclusion.”
NNPCL’s Stance on Appointments
NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye dismissed claims of ethnic bias in the company’s leadership appointments. He emphasized that recruitment and promotions within the NNPCL are based on merit, business requirements, and expertise.
“Decisions at the NNPC are guided strictly by merit and business imperatives to ensure effective service delivery,” Soneye stated. He also clarified that President Tinubu has not interfered with the company’s leadership movements.
Despite these reassurances, the NNPCL has not officially confirmed Kyari’s tenure expiration date.
Tinubu’s Endorsement and Public Reactions
In November 2023, President Tinubu retained Kyari as GCEO while approving a new board and management team for the NNPCL. However, public reactions remain mixed, with speculation about Kyari’s potential removal continuing to generate heated discussions.
The NNPCL has called for calm, urging the public to disregard unverified claims about leadership changes, while emphasizing the company’s focus on achieving operational excellence under its current leadership.
