NNPCL sacks P/Harcourt refinery MD, 200 others, makes new appointments

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has appointed Maryam Idrisu as Managing Director of NNPC Trading and Obioma Abangwu as Chief Liaison Officer for Board Matters.

This followed the sack of over 200 staff, including loyalists of the former Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari.

According to sources, those departing immediately are Bala Wunti, former chief of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), and Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of the Kaduna Refinery.

Also asked to leave is Lawal Sade, the Chief Compliance Officer and former Managing Director of NNPC Trading.

It was gathered that over 200 employees have been impacted, marking the beginning of what may be a series of staff changes.

However, a source in the company said the sacking was conditional and for staff who have 17 months and below before their retirement.

“Many of those affected had about 17 months and below to retire so they were given incentives to retire early to allow fresh people into the system. It is a practice that has been going on for years in the NNPC. Some of those who were promoted also worked with Kyari,” the source said.

Profile of new appointees

According to the LinkedIn profile of Maryam Idrisu, she previously served as the Executive Director, Planning & Commercial, NNPC Trading and was also the Executive Director, Crude & Condensate, NNPC Trading Limited.

She also served as Manager, Pricing & Valuation, Crude Oil Marketing Division, Manager, Pricing & Valuation, Crude Oil Marketing Division and Deputy Manager, Pricing & Performance, Crude Oil Marketing Division of NNPC.

The profile also stated that Maryam studied Economics at the University of Abuja from 1996 – 1999, and obtained her Masters at the University of Dundee in Energy Economics, 2004 to 2005.

While the full profile of Obioma Abangwu could not be obtained due to her limited presence online, information on the website of NNPC showed that she was formerly the Head, Corporate Law, and Board Matters of the oil coy and a lover of golf.

Ojulari’s restructuring

Since his appointment as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has engaged in restructuring the oil conglomerate.

The GCEO started with the appointment of an eight-member senior management team.

The team consists of Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer; Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer; and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power & New Energy.

Other members of the team include; Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer.

The GCEO had during his takeover of office, pledged that the objective of his management will be to consolidate on the successes of his predecessor, Mele Kyari, and take the company to the next level.

Ojulari commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPC Ltd and his sterling service to the nation.

He also said though the targets set for his management were quite challenging, he would be relying on the cooperation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve the target.

“I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari told Kyari.

Source: Daily Trust