In a major shake-up of Nigeria’s oil sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari has been appointed as the new GCEO, while Ahmadu Musa Kida will serve as the non-executive chairman.
Additionally, Tinubu has dissolved the NNPCL board, removing all members appointed in November 2023 alongside Kyari and former board chairman Akinyelure. However, Adedapo Segun, who took over as Chief Financial Officer last year, has been retained and named to the new board.
The newly appointed board members represent Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones:
● North West: Bello Rabiu 
● North East: Yusuf Usman
● North Central: Babs Omotowa (former MD, NLNG)
● South South: Austin Avuru
● South West: David Ige
● South East: Henry Obih
Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry, while Aminu Said Ahmed will serve as the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ representative.
This high-profile shake-up signals President Tinubu’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. With fresh leadership at NNPCL, the administration aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and the sector’s overall performance. The new board’s composition reflects a balance of expertise, regional representation, and government oversight.
As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges and energy sector reforms, all eyes will be on Engr. Bashir Ojulari and his team to drive innovation and transparency in NNPCL. Will this restructuring lead to the much-needed transformation in the nation’s petroleum industry? Time will tell.
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