NNPC Refutes Mele Kyari Exit Claims, Asserts Tinubu’s Ultimate Decision Power

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

• NNPC stresses presidential prerogative in leadership changes.
• NNPC highlights merit-driven policies.
•  Conflicting views emerge on GCEO’s future.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, will exit the company in January 2025.

NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Monday, labeled the claims as baseless rumors.

According to Soneye, Kyari’s tenure is guided by NNPC policies, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Minister of Petroleum, retains the final authority over the GCEO’s position. He emphasized that appointments in the organization are merit-based, focusing on expertise and capability rather than ethnicity or religion.

“This is a global energy company,” Soneye stated. “Decisions here are based on professionalism and delivery capacity. Gone are the days of tribal and religious sentiments.”

Some stakeholders speculate that Kyari, who turns 60 on January 8, 2025, may retire and be replaced by Bayo Ojulari. However, others argue that his tenure aligns with Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which allows for continuation until 2027.

The speculation follows Kyari’s reappointment in November 2023 by President Tinubu, despite a wave of leadership changes in government agencies.