NNPC Ltd unveils new senior management team to drive strategic vision

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited

NNPC Ltd. unveiled a new Senior Management Team on April 4, 2025, prioritizing leadership reinforcement and operational efficiency.

This follows CEO Bashir Bayo Ojulari’s appointment and board restructuring to drive strategic transformation.

Communications Chief Olufemi Soneye confirmed eight seasoned professionals now oversee critical operations, effective immediately.

Their roles target refining governance, financial sustainability, and energy diversification across sectors.

CEO Ojulari leads the team, supported by Rowland Ewubare as Chief Operating Officer and Adedapo Segun as Chief Financial Officer.

Ewubare will streamline workflows, while Segun manages fiscal strategies to attract global investments.

Olalekan Ogunleye directs Gas, Power, and New Energy, accelerating Nigeria’s shift toward renewable solutions.

His mandate includes expanding solar projects and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Udy Ntia oversees Upstream activities, focusing on optimizing oil exploration while addressing environmental concerns.

Mumuni Dangazau heads Downstream operations, aiming to modernize refineries and curb fuel import dependency.

Sophia Mbakwe manages Business Services, enhancing internal support systems for seamless corporate functions.

Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary, ensures legal compliance amid evolving regulatory landscapes and international partnerships.

These appointments mark NNPC’s transition into a fully commercial entity, emphasizing innovation and sustainable growth.

The team must balance profitability with affordable energy access for Nigeria’s expanding population.

Stakeholders anticipate improved transparency to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which drain revenue.

Industry analysts stress the urgency of infrastructure upgrades to meet domestic and export demands.

Ogunleye’s clean energy push aligns with global climate goals, positioning Nigeria as a green energy contender.

Gas pipeline expansions and community solar initiatives feature prominently in his agenda.

Ntia’s Upstream reforms include adopting advanced drilling technologies to maximize output sustainably.

Concurrently, Dangazau’s Downstream strategy targets refining capacity boosts to stabilize local fuel markets.

Mbakwe’s operational reforms aim to digitize workflows, reducing bureaucratic delays in project execution.

Dozie’s legal team will navigate complex regulations to safeguard NNPC’s partnerships and ventures.

Public reactions remain cautiously optimistic, given past management challenges and unmet targets.

Citizens urge swift action to alleviate fuel shortages and electricity deficits nationwide.

Global energy market volatility demands agile leadership to mitigate price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

NNPC’s restructuring mirrors government efforts to revitalize the economy through sectoral modernization.

Training programs for local engineers and technicians aim to build long-term technical capacity.

Community engagement plans will address environmental grievances, fostering trust in oil-producing regions.

Ojulari’s vision includes leveraging Nigeria’s gas reserves to position it as a global energy hub.

Strategic partnerships with tech firms could enhance data-driven decision-making across operations.

With these steps, NNPC targets reduced import costs, higher employment, and increased foreign investment inflows. Success hinges on seamless collaboration between new leaders and existing staff.

As global energy transitions accelerate, NNPC’s adaptive strategies will determine Nigeria’s economic resilience and environmental stewardship. The world watches as this refreshed team navigates complex challenges ahead.