In a sweeping restructuring exercise, at least 200 officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) have been laid off or forced into early retirement, Peoples Gazette has learned.
The move marks the first major action by newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, who assumed office on April 4 following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Among those affected are Bala Wunti, the former head of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), and Lawal Sade, the company’s chief compliance officer.
Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of the Port Harcourt Refinery, was also relieved of his duties, according to multiple company insiders.
Sources within the company said the restructuring has been largely well-received across both senior and junior cadres, with many viewing it as a progressive step toward inclusive leadership.
“This restructuring will enhance female representation in leadership positions,” a senior official told The Gazette under the condition of anonymity.
In line with the reform, Maryamu Idris has been promoted to managing director of trading, replacing Lawal Sade, and will now oversee the company’s crude oil transactions.
Additionally, Obioma Abangwu has been appointed chief liaison officer to NNPC’s management board.
While company sources spoke positively of the reforms, the NNPC’s corporate communications department did not respond to a request for official comment as of press time.
Ojulari, a former Shell executive, replaced Mele Kyari, who led the state oil company for five years before being removed earlier this month.
His appointment is seen as part of a broader push by the Tinubu administration to reposition Nigeria’s oil sector for greater transparency and performance.
