Tinubu Keeps Kyari at NNPCL Helm, Names Akinyelure Board Chairman in Latest Appointments

President Bola Tinubu has made a significant decision by reappointing Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), ensuring continuity in the nation’s oil sector. This move is part of a broader reshuffle, introducing a new board and management team for the NNPCL effective December 1, 2023.

Kyari’s unexpected reappointment, after serving approximately four years under the Buhari Administration, signals the current administration’s confidence in his ability to navigate the NNPCL through the challenges of the global oil economy. President Tinubu has also appointed a diverse and experienced group to the NNPCL board. Chief Pius Akinyelure assumes the role of Non-Executive Board Chairman, bringing extensive experience from the oil sector and beyond. Alhaji Umar Isa Ajiya continues as the Chief Financial Officer, a pivotal position for the financial stability and strategic investment decisions of the NNPCL.

The board is further enhanced with the addition of several Non-Executive Directors: Mr. Ledum Mitee, Mr. Musa Tumsa, Mr. Ghali Muhammad, Prof. Mustapha Aliyu, Mr. David Ogbodo, and Ms. Eunice Thomas. A statement by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale on Monday night emphasized that these appointments align with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

President Tinubu’s expectations, as outlined in the statement, emphasize the Renewed Hope administration’s commitment to a performance-driven mandate. The primary objective is to execute an energy policy that maximizes current oil and gas resources while laying the groundwork for exploring new and cleaner energy sources with this distinguished team.

In compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of a new Board and Management team for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) with effect from December 1, 2023:

1. Chief Pius Akinyelure — Non-Executive Board Chairman
2. Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari — Group Chief Executive Officer
3. Alhaji Umar Isa Ajiya — Chief Financial Officer
4. Mr. Ledum Mitee — Non-Executive Director
5. Mr. Musa Tumsa — Non-Executive Director
6. Mr. Ghali Muhammad — Non-Executive Director
7. Prof. Mustapha Aliyu — Non-Executive Director
8. Mr. David Ogbodo — Non-Executive Director
9. Ms. Eunice Thomas — Non-Executive Director

President Tinubu also approved the appointment of two Permanent Secretaries:

1. Mrkokon Ekanem Udo — Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance
2. Amb. Gabriel Aduda — Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

President Tinubu anticipates full compliance with the performance-driven and results-oriented mandate of his Renewed Hope administration in implementing an energy policy that capitalizes on today’s oil and gas resources while paving the way for the exploitation of new and cleaner energy sources by this distinguished team.