NNPCL Denies Claims of Ethnic Bias, Affirms Operational Independence from Tinubu
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted allegations of ethnic favoritism and undue presidential interference in its operations, emphasizing its commitment to professionalism and meritocracy.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye responded to an article titled “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC” authored by Prof. Farooq Kperogi. The article alleged that the NNPCL’s leadership structure had become dominated by individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group and claimed a Yoruba candidate was being positioned to succeed the current Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, whose term expires early next year.
Soneye dismissed these claims, describing the article as rife with misconceptions about the operations and leadership of the company.
“Employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPCL are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation,” Soneye said. “Decisions within the NNPCL are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.”
He further clarified that President Bola Tinubu does not interfere in the company’s operations or leadership decisions.
“President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation,” Soneye explained. “His administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy.”
The statement highlighted that the NNPCL’s leadership includes a diverse team comprising individuals from various regions of Nigeria and even foreign professionals.
“The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPCL, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable,” Soneye noted.
He criticized Kperogi’s focus on ethnic identities, stating, “It is sad that a professor of Mr. Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonize President Tinubu.”
Under Mele Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL has achieved several milestones, including advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships, according to Soneye.
“These milestones were not defined, colored, or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence,” he said.
The NNPCL reiterated its commitment to maintaining professionalism and advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through competence and innovation.
