Breaking News: Tinubu’s Decision on Mele Kyari’s NNPC Role

NNPC Statement: Tinubu to Decide on Mele Kyari’s Position

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has addressed rumors regarding the potential departure of its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, in January 2025.

NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye labeled these claims as false, emphasizing that any decision about Kyari’s tenure rests solely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Soneye stated, “All those things are rumors and false. The man (Mele Kyari) has his time and tenure; the president has the final say. As the Minister of Petroleum, anything he wants to do, he will do.”

This clarification comes amid industry speculation that Kyari, who turns 60 on January 8, 2025, might retire and be succeeded by Bayo Ojulari.

However, Soneye reiterated that NNPC’s appointments are based on expertise and performance, not on ethnicity or religion. He noted, “Movement in the company is based on expertise, skills, and ability to deliver, not on the basis that you are from X, Y, or Z; you are Muslim or Christian.”

In November 2023, President Tinubu reaffirmed Kyari’s leadership by reappointing him as GCEO of NNPC.

Recently, President Tinubu commended the NNPC, under Kyari’s leadership, for restoring operations at the Warri Refinery, which is now operating at 60% capacity.

He stated, “I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa.”