A Bold Reset: Tinubu Clears NNPC House
In a defining moment for Nigeria’s energy sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fired Mele Kyari, removing him as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The shake-up, which also saw the dissolution of the board, marks a hard reset at the top of Nigeria’s most strategic corporation.
Why Kyari Was Removed – Behind the Curtain
Kyari, appointed in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, oversaw the NNPC’s transition into a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a move that was controversial. While his tenure was marked by ambitious reforms, insiders say the presidency lost confidence due to persistent issues:
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Declining crude oil production
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Escalating oil theft
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Allegations of opaque governance
Despite public defenses and calls for his retention by some industry players, the pressure to reposition NNPC for investor confidence and operational transparency prevailed.
The Man Taking Over: Bayo Ojulari Steps In
President Tinubu has named Bashir Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive with deepwater and exploration expertise, as Kyari’s replacement. His experience managing billion-dollar assets in Shell Nigeria is seen as a boost to Tinubu’s vision of transforming NNPCL into a commercially viable, investor-attractive global oil player.
“Ojulari represents the technocratic edge this new oil era demands,” one insider said. “This isn’t just a leadership change—it’s a mindset overhaul.”
Ojulari’s mandate is clear: restore public trust, sanitize the oil value chain, and deliver tangible economic gains.
Who’s Who on the New Board
President Tinubu also announced a restructured board packed with industry veterans and regional representation:
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Ahmadu Musa Kida (Non-Executive Chairman, ex-Total)
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Adedapo Segun (Chief Financial Officer)
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6 Non-Executive Directors from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
This inclusive lineup aims to reflect national interest while anchoring governance reforms.
Stakeholders React: Hope and Hesitation
Civil society organizations like Energy Reforms Advocates (ERA) praised the decision, calling it a long-overdue opportunity to confront corruption and inefficiency. Meanwhile, some industry watchers warn that real reform will depend on Tinubu’s willingness to insulate the board from political interference.
What This Means Going Forward
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Oil Production Target Reset: Nigeria currently struggles to meet OPEC quotas. Tinubu wants 2 million bpd by 2027.
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Refinery Reboots: Dormant refineries in Port Harcourt and Warri remain a headache. Will Ojulari bring them online?
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Foreign Investment Drive: Kyari’s tenure chased over $17 billion in commitments. Ojulari must now deliver.
IDNN ANALYSIS | What We Think
This is more than just a personnel change. It’s an indictment of the status quo and a loud signal that Tinubu intends to run the oil sector as a results-driven enterprise. With Ojulari’s appointment, the president is betting on brains over politics. The question is—can the system resist swallowing another technocrat?
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