LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has undergone a significant leadership change with the appointment of former Shell executive Bashir Ojulari as the new chief executive, replacing Mele Kyari, whose tenure was marked by both progress and controversy.
Kyari’s time as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL was characterized by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, raising questions about transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s vital oil sector.
In April 2023, reports surfaced alleging that Kyari and the Chief Financial Officer had paid themselves substantial gratuities while still in active service, raising ethical concerns.
Further allegations emerged in July 2023, with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector accusing Kyari of engaging in multimillion-dollar corrupt practices related to deals between NNPCL and Frontier Exploration Services Limited. These allegations centered on claims of contracts awarded without due process, allegedly favoring individuals from Kyari’s ethnic background.
By September 2024, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Solidarity Network called for Kyari’s resignation following NNPCL’s admission of a $6.8 billion debt, citing a lack of transparency and fiscal prudence.
Despite these controversies, NNPCL officials dismissed reports suggesting Kyari’s imminent exit as baseless rumors. However, in April 2025, President Tinubu overhauled NNPCL’s board, appointing Bashir Ojulari to replace Kyari as the chief executive.
This leadership change is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate Nigeria’s oil sector, which has been plagued by challenges such as large-scale theft and declining production. The new leadership is expected to address these challenges and implement reforms to improve transparency and accountability within the corporation.
Kyari’s tenure at NNPCL serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing Nigeria’s oil sector and the importance of good governance and ethical leadership. The myriad of controversies and allegations that trailed his leadership underscore the pressing need for transparency and accountability in the nation’s oil and gas industry.
The change in leadership at NNPCL is being closely watched by international observers, as it could have significant implications for Nigeria’s economy and its role in the global energy market
