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NNPCL Denies Allegations of Presidential Interference, Defends Merit-Based Operations

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu exerts influence over its operations or leadership decisions.

In response to an article by Prof. Farooq Kperogi titled Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, dismissed allegations of ethnic bias and undue presidential interference. Kperogi’s piece alleged a “Yorubacentric takeover” at the company and claimed that a Yoruba candidate was being positioned to succeed Group Managing Director Mele Kyari, whose tenure ends in early 2025.

Soneye described the claims as unfounded and emphasized that the NNPCL operates as a professional and independent organization. “Employment, promotions, and leadership movements within the NNPCL are guided solely by merit, business requirements, and expertise, without regard to ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations,” he stated.

He highlighted the company’s diverse leadership team, which includes qualified foreign professionals, underscoring its commitment to global best practices. Soneye also praised President Tinubu for empowering institutions like the NNPCL to operate autonomously while implementing transformative reforms in the oil and gas sector.

Under Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL has achieved significant milestones in exploration, production, and international partnerships, according to Soneye. “These achievements reflect the company’s collective drive for excellence, not ethnic or religious considerations,” he noted.

Soneye expressed disappointment over Kperogi’s focus on ethnicity, labeling it as an attempt to undermine the professionalism of the NNPCL and the President’s reform agenda. “It is unfortunate that a scholar of Mr. Kperogi’s standing would resort to exploiting ethnic identities to discredit the NNPCL and President Tinubu,” he remarked.

He reiterated the NNPCL’s commitment to professionalism, competence, and merit-based practices, emphasizing that its operational success is rooted in these principles. “Our focus remains on efficient service delivery and enhancing value across the oil and gas value chain,” Soneye concluded.

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