Tensions are rising regarding the possible end of Mele Kyari’s tenure as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Kyari, who turns 60 on January 8, 2025, may soon exit the oil giant, prompting speculation about his successor and the future direction of the company.
However, opinions are divided. Some industry analysts believe Kyari’s term will end in 2027, aligning with Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which stipulates that the NNPCL Board’s composition should follow the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its Articles of Association.
Kyari was appointed as Group Managing Director in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. Following NNPC’s transition to a limited liability company in July 2022, he became GCEO. With over 32 years of experience in the oil industry, Kyari’s leadership has been the longest in NNPC’s history since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
His tenure has seen significant milestones for the NNPCL, earning him recognition for steering the company through its transformation and achieving remarkable successes.
Recent reports suggest that Bayo Ojulari may be considered as Kyari’s potential successor. The speculation has sparked debates over ethnic biases in appointments within the NNPCL. A U.S.-based Nigerian professor, Farooq Kperogi, criticized President Bola Tinubu in an article titled “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, accusing him of favoring Yoruba individuals for key positions in the company.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the need for “sensible inclusion” over “arrogant exclusion” in appointments, a likely critique of perceived regional favoritism in past administrations.
In response to the allegations, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye refuted claims of ethnic or political bias in leadership appointments. “Employment, promotions, and appointments within the NNPC are based strictly on merit, business requirements, and expertise,” he stated, adding that President Tinubu has not interfered in the company’s leadership decisions.
Soneye also dismissed rumors of Kyari’s removal, describing them as “false and misleading.” He praised Kyari’s tenure, highlighting the GCEO’s achievements and assuring the public of the company’s commitment to professionalism.
Despite the reassurances, questions about the exact expiration date of Kyari’s tenure remain unanswered. The lack of clarity has fueled ongoing debates about leadership changes within the NNPCL, leaving industry stakeholders and observers anxiously awaiting further developments.
