NNPC dismisses rumours of Tinubu sacking Mele Kyari

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed reports claiming that its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, will be sacked before the year ends.

The NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, addressed the rumours on Friday.

A report from an international outlet revealed that Kyari’s position was under threat as part of a broader leadership restructuring at NNPCL.

“As the Nigerian National Petroleum Company undergoes a leadership overhaul, the group CEO Mele Kyari may be forced out before year-end.

“Insiders tell The Africa Report that more changes will follow in the coming weeks, culminating in the removal of Kyari as CEO,” the newspaper said.

A source was quoted to have said, “Kyari has been in the danger zone for some time. He has told confidantes of his readiness to leave. He will likely leave in the next couple of weeks.”

However, Soneye refuted these claims, describing them as unfounded and misleading.

He questioned the motives behind the publication, revealing that the outlet appeared overly familiar with Kyari’s career decisions, despite not being his employer.

“One might wonder if they were the ones who hired Mele Kyari, given their apparent insight into his career plans. Such baseless speculation is not only laughable but also a testament to the lengths some will go to craft immature narratives,” Soneye said.

Setting the record straight, Soneye explained that Kyari is performing exceptionally well in steering the energy sector towards success.

According to him, the NNPC under his watch had transitioned from losses to profit declaration.

He stated that the NNPC just reached a production milestone of 1.8 million barrels per day, saying this was a testimony to Kyari’s efforts as the GCEO.

“Mr Kyari remains focused on actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for progress and development in the sector, ensuring energy security for our nation. So, to address the rumour: it’s as credible as a mirage in the desert,” he added

On Wednesday, NNPCL also announced the appointment of new executives, including Isiyaku Abdullahi as Executive Vice President, Downstream, Udobong Ntia as Executive Vice President, Upstream, and Adedapo Segun as the Chief Financial Officer.