Breaking News: Mele Kyari Steps Down As NNPCL CEO Amid Leadership Shake-Up

President Tinubu Orders Major Overhaul at NNPCL, Mele Kyari Out as CEO

In a bold move that has sent ripples through the Nigerian energy sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The decision, announced on Wednesday, reflects growing concerns over certain operational aspects within the company.

According to Naija News, this sweeping change also included the dissolution of the entire NNPCL board. The announcement was made via a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. In the statement, Tinubu emphasized the need for a fresh leadership team to drive the company forward.

The statement confirmed that Tinubu had ordered a complete reconstitution of the NNPCL board. As part of this overhaul, Chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure and Group CEO Mele Kyari, along with all other board members appointed in November 2023, were relieved of their duties. This marks a significant shake-up in one of Nigeria’s most critical organizations.

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New Leadership at the Helm of NNPCL

In a bid to inject new energy and direction into the company, President Tinubu has appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the non-executive Chairman. These appointments signal a commitment to revitalizing the organization and ensuring it aligns with national priorities.

Notably, Adedapo Segun, who had previously served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since November 2023, has been retained on the new board. Joining them are six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones:

Bello Rabiu from the North West,

Yusuf Usman from the North East,

Babs Omotowa, the former Managing Director of Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), representing the North Central,

Austin Avuru from the South South,

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David Ige from the South West, and

Henry Obih from the South East.

Additionally, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, have been included in the new leadership lineup. All appointments take effect as of Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Kyari’s Legacy and the Timing of His Departure

Mele Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL began on July 7, 2019, when he was appointed Group Managing Director (GMD) by former President Muhammadu Buhari. After completing his four-year term, Kyari was reappointed by President Tinubu in October 2023. However, his eventual dismissal came as a surprise after months of speculation and delays.

Insiders who spoke with Daily Trust hinted that Kyari’s involvement in key strategic projects for the president may have delayed his removal. One source remarked, “The real question observers should be asking is why Mele Kyari stayed in office for so long before being removed on Tuesday.”

This delay is especially noteworthy given that President Tinubu has already replaced the heads of several other prominent government agencies. These include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Despite these widespread changes, Kyari remained at the helm of NNPCL for an extended period.

“Kyari’s extended tenure, despite the changes in other agencies, was unusual and raised eyebrows,” the source added.

Achievements Under Kyari’s Leadership

During his time at NNPCL, Kyari spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives that left a lasting impact on the company. One of his most notable accomplishments was the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing, which operated Oando-branded retail stations. Finalized in October 2022, this $325.09 million deal significantly expanded NNPCL’s reach, adding over 380 filling stations, a reception jetty, LPG plants, aviation depots, and warehouses to its portfolio.

This acquisition marked a turning point for the company, enhancing its presence in the aviation fuel and lubricants sectors. Prior to the deal, NNPCL’s footprint in these areas was relatively limited. According to industry insiders, “After acquiring Oando, the company’s profile improved dramatically. This achievement solidified Kyari’s reputation as an effective leader within the industry.”

While Kyari’s departure marks the end of an era, his contributions to NNPCL’s growth and transformation will undoubtedly be remembered as pivotal milestones in the company’s history.