The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has officially deployed more than 1,000 young professionals into its workforce after they successfully completed a one-year internship, intensive training and performance evaluation programme.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bayo Ojulari, announced the development on the company’s official social media platforms, describing it as a significant milestone in the organisation’s efforts to build a skilled and competitive workforce.
According to Ojulari, the new employees earned their positions after undergoing a rigorous programme that combined practical work experience, training and continuous assessment.
He said the exercise reflects the company’s commitment to merit, stressing that employment at NNPC is now based on competence rather than personal connections or background.
“Different paths, but the same door. And we opened it. That’s what NNPC Limited stands for today—not who you know or where you’re from, but what you can do,” he said.
Ojulari explained that while the successful candidates initially received internship offers, it was their dedication and performance over the past year that secured their permanent deployment.
“Their offer letters got them in, but their work this past year kept them here. They proved themselves day after day under real pressure, and that’s the standard we’re building—talent, hard work and fairness,” he added.
The NNPC boss encouraged the newly deployed professionals to be confident, contribute ideas, challenge existing processes and take ownership of their personal and professional development within the company.
He also reminded them not to forget the journey that brought them to this stage, urging them to create opportunities for others when they become leaders in the future.
“To the over 1,000 newly deployed: you are not just our future. You are our present. Our energy. Our proof. Don’t hesitate to lend your voice, share your opinions and challenge the status quo. Own your development,” Ojulari said.
He added that one day they would have the responsibility of opening the same door for the next generation of young professionals.
The deployment comes as NNPC continues to strengthen its workforce and develop local talent following its transition into a commercially driven national energy company under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The recruitment exercise was first announced in July 2024 during the tenure of former Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari.
