Major Shake-Up at NNPC: Ojulari sacks Mele Kyari’s Allies in Sweeping Restructuring

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has undergone a significant restructuring, resulting in the dismissal of several senior officials closely associated with the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari. This development comes just weeks after Kyari’s removal from the top position on April 2, 2025, marking a new chapter for the state-owned oil giant.

The restructuring, which has affected over 200 employees, signals the beginning of what may be a series of staff changes under the leadership of Bayo Ojulari, who assumed the role of GCEO shortly after Kyari’s exit. Among those sacked is Lawal Sade, the former Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Director of NNPC Trading, a key figure believed to have been a close ally of Kyari.

The overhaul, initiated three days after Ojulari took office, also saw the appointment of an eight-member senior management team. Notably, this restructuring has paved the way for increased female representation in NNPC’s leadership. Maryam Idrisu has been appointed as the new Managing Director of NNPC Trading, overseeing all crude oil transactions, while Obioma Abangwu takes on the role of Chief Liaison Officer for board matters.
This shake-up follows Mele Kyari’s tenure as GCEO, which spanned from 2019 to 2025. Kyari, a seasoned geologist and crude oil marketer, had been a polarizing figure during his time at the helm of NNPC. His removal and the subsequent restructuring have sparked widespread discussions about the future direction of the corporation, with some speculating that the changes reflect a broader effort to reposition NNPC for greater efficiency and inclusivity.

Public reactions to the news have been mixed, as seen on social media platforms like X (formerly twitter). Some users have criticized the restructuring as politically motivated, with one commenter,
@chimaogba_777
, alleging a “Yorubanisation” of the NNPC and warning of regional tensions. Others, like
@LarryIk3
, argued that the term “restructuring” is a misnomer, suggesting that the moves are more about “capture” than reform. Meanwhile,
@DrChinemeremDan
highlighted the appointment of an Igbo woman as Chief Liaison Officer, albeit with a tone of skepticism.

As NNPC navigates this transitional period, all eyes will be on Bayo Ojulari and his team to see how they steer the organization forward. With over 200 employees already impacted, the coming weeks may reveal more about the long-term vision for Nigeria’s oil industry giant.
Stay tuned to Torchlightnews for more updates on this developing story.

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