The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has terminated the services of several senior staff members as part of a comprehensive restructuring exercise.

 The affected staff members include high-ranking officials who were closely associated with the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, who was removed from office on April 2, 2025.

According to sources close to the matter, the terminated staff members include Bala Wunti, former Chief of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Ibrahim Onoja, Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery, and Lawal Sade, Chief Compliance Officer and former Managing Director of NNPC Trading. 

The terminations took immediate effect, marking a major shake-up in the company's leadership.

The restructuring exercise, which has impacted over 200 employees, is seen as a key step towards repositioning the company for greater efficiency and effectiveness. 

The changes are expected to be far-reaching, with more staff adjustments anticipated in the coming weeks.

However, the restructuring has also brought about a significant increase in the representation of women in senior leadership roles. Maryam Idrisu has been appointed as the new Managing Director of NNPC Trading, overseeing all crude oil transactions, while Obioma Abangwu has taken on the role of Chief Liaison Officer for board matters. These appointments have been well-received by staff, who see them as a positive step towards greater diversity and inclusion in the company's leadership.

The new appointments come just four weeks after Bayo Ojulari took over as the new Group CEO of NNPC Ltd. 

Ojulari has hit the ground running, appointing an eight-member senior management team just three days into his tenure. The team is expected to play a key role in driving the company's strategic objectives and implementing the restructuring exercise.

The changes at NNPC Ltd are seen as a significant development in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, with far-reaching implications for the company's operations and the broader economy. 

As the company continues to navigate the challenges of the global energy market, the new leadership team will be tasked with driving growth, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency and accountability.

In a statement, the company said that the restructuring exercise is aimed at positioning NNPC Ltd for long-term success and sustainability.

 "The changes we are making are designed to ensure that the company is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the Nigerian energy sector and to deliver value to our stakeholders," the statement said.

The developments at NNPC Ltd are being closely watched by industry stakeholders, who are eager to see how the company will navigate the challenges and opportunities of the global energy market. With its new leadership team in place, NNPC Ltd is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.