As Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), approaches his 60th birthday on January 8, 2025, speculation is rife about the future leadership of Nigeria’s oil giant.
Kyari, who transitioned to GCEO in 2022, has served as a transformative figure in NNPCL, overseeing its evolution from a public corporation to a limited liability company. Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, Kyari’s tenure is one of the longest in the company’s history, with stakeholders debating whether his term should end in 2025 or extend to 2027 under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
The Legal and Political Debate
Section 59(2) of the PIA, which aligns board appointments with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), has fueled arguments for an extended tenure. However, with Kyari reaching the statutory retirement age of 60, concerns have surfaced about the timing of his exit and the potential impact on NNPCL’s stability.
NNPCL has experienced 19 leadership changes since its inception in 1977, making the GCEO position a focal point for political and economic discussions. Recent rumors suggest President Bola Tinubu may favor Bayo Ojulari, a Yoruba candidate, as Kyari’s successor. These allegations have drawn criticism, including from U.S.-based Nigerian professor Farooq Kperogi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who have called for inclusivity in key appointments.
NNPCL’s Defense
Femi Soneye, NNPCL’s spokesperson, dismissed claims of ethnic bias, emphasizing that leadership decisions are based on merit and expertise. Soneye clarified that President Tinubu has not interfered in the company’s leadership and reaffirmed Kyari’s pivotal role in NNPCL’s transformation.
“Kyari’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements,” Soneye stated, adding that recent restructuring by President Tinubu retained Kyari as GCEO, underscoring his contributions.
Achievements and Speculations
Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL launched initiatives such as a real-time hydrocarbon monitoring command center and increased transparency in its operations. While speculations about his imminent removal persist, Soneye labeled such claims as baseless, stating that no official confirmation has been made regarding the expiration of Kyari’s tenure.
Looking Ahead
The debate over Kyari’s future highlights broader questions about leadership transitions and inclusivity within NNPCL. As the company navigates this critical juncture, all eyes remain on the federal government’s next move and its implications for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
