Close associates of Mele Kyari sacked in NNPC

In a major overhaul of its leadership, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has relived some high-ranking officials of their appointments.

Among those affected are Bala Wunti, former head of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), and Ibrahim Onoja, Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery, both of whom have been sacked.

Lawal Sade, chief compliance officer and former managing director of NNPC Trading, was also let go.

The departures are reportedly linked to their close association with Mele Kyari, who was removed as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) on April 2, 2025.

With over 200 employees affected, this move signals the start of potentially widespread changes within the company

This restructuring has resulted in an increased representation of women in senior leadership roles, including the appointment of Maryam Idrisu as managing director of NNPC Trading — responsible for all crude oil transactions — and Obioma Abangwu as chief liaison officer for board matters.

The changes have been positively received by the staff.

The directors were sacked four weeks after Bayo Ojulari took over from Kyari.

Three days after he assumed office, NNPC appointed an eight-member senior management team.

18 varsities to share N110bn for medical programmes

I was not kidnapped – King Sunny Ade breaks silence

Okowa: I regret contesting presidency with Atiku in 2023