Business
NNPCL Denies Ethnic Bias, Says Tinubu Does Not Influence Operations
reiterated that the company is focused on efficient service delivery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has stated that President Bola Tinubu does not interfere in its operations or influence internal leadership movements within the company.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized that the company’s decisions regarding employment, promotions, appointments, and leadership changes are solely guided by merit, business needs, and expertise.
He added that such decisions are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliations.
Soneye’s statement was in response to an article authored by Professor Farooq Kperogi titled “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”. The article accused President Tinubu of orchestrating a “Yorubacentric” leadership takeover of the NNPCL and claimed that Yoruba individuals now dominate key positions within the company. Kperogi also alleged that a Yoruba candidate was being considered as the next Group Managing Director after Mele Kyari’s tenure expires early next year.
Dismissing these claims, Soneye described the article as riddled with misconceptions about the NNPCL’s operations and leadership structure.
He reiterated that the company is focused on efficient service delivery, driven by a highly qualified and diverse team.
“President Tinubu does not interfere in the operations or leadership decisions of the NNPC,” Soneye clarified. “On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added significant value to the oil and gas sector, as well as the broader Nigerian economy.”
According to Soneye, Tinubu’s leadership empowers institutions like the NNPCL to operate independently while fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation. He credited Tinubu’s reforms with achieving milestones that surpass those of many previous administrations.
Highlighting the professionalism of the NNPCL, Soneye stated that the company’s leadership comprises a diverse mix of individuals from various regions and even includes qualified foreign experts contributing to the value chain of production and distribution.
“It is unfortunate that a scholar of Professor Kperogi’s stature would resort to ethnic narratives in an attempt to discredit President Tinubu,” Soneye said.
He further noted that under Mele Kyari’s leadership, the NNPCL has recorded groundbreaking achievements, including advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships. These accomplishments, he stressed, are the result of a commitment to competence and professionalism, rather than ethnic or religious considerations.
“These milestones were achieved through the collective pursuit of excellence, not parochial or divisive agendas,” Soneye concluded.
