Tension Over Kyari’s Exit: NNPCL Leadership In The Eye Of The Storm

As the tenure of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), approaches a potential turning point, speculations regarding the company’s future leadership are mounting.

Kyari, who turns 60 on January 8, 2025, may vacate his position, raising concerns about the next phase for the oil giant.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that however, some stakeholders argue that Kyari’s term should extend until 2027 under Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which ties board appointments to the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

Kyari’s transition to GCEO in 2022 marked NNPC’s shift from a public corporation to a limited liability company. Appointed in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Kyari has been with NNPC for 32 years and has held his current role longer than any predecessor since 1999.

The NNPC, which has seen 19 managing directors since its inception in 1977, remains at the center of political debates. Recently, U.S.-based Nigerian professor Farooq Kperogi criticized President Bola Tinubu for allegedly favoring Yoruba individuals in key appointments, including a rumored push for Bayo Ojulari as Kyari’s successor. Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai also weighed in, advocating for inclusive practices in government appointments.

Femi Soneye, NNPCL’s spokesperson, dismissed allegations of ethnic bias, emphasizing that merit and expertise guide leadership decisions. He clarified that President Tinubu has not influenced NNPC’s leadership and reaffirmed Kyari’s significant contributions.

Kyari’s tenure has reportedly been marked by transformative achievements for NNPC, with the company’s management recently restructured by Tinubu, who retained him as GCEO. Despite ongoing speculations, Soneye refuted claims of Kyari’s imminent removal, stating they lack credibility.

As of press time, no official confirmation has been provided regarding the expiration of Kyari’s tenure.

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