Ojulari resumes as NNPLC appoints new team

About 48 hours after his appointment, the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has officially assumed leadership of the company, succeeding his predecessor, Mr Mele Kyari.

 A statement by the NNPCL spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, on Friday, said Ojulari took over the reins of affairs after a brief handover ceremony held at the company’s Towers on Friday.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday announced the reconstitution of the NNPC team which saw the replacement of the NNPCL board chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and all other board members appointed in November 2023.

In his address, the GCEO commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPCL and his sterling service to the nation.

He disclosed that the objective of his management was to consolidate the successes of his predecessor and take the company to the next level.

Ojulari stated that although the targets set for his management were substantial, he would rely on the cooperation of the company’s management and staff, as well as the guidance of his predecessor, to achieve the set objectives.

Earlier in his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office.

Meanwhile, the NNPCL has appointed new eight-member senior management team tasked with overseeing the affairs of the company’s operations and strategic direction.

It also effected a reshuffling in key management positions to strengthen its operational efficiency.

A statement by the company’s spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed the latest development on Friday.

The team, which will be headed by Ojulari, has Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer, Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer, and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President of Gas and Power & New Energy.

Mr Isiyaku Abdullahi, who was appointed Executive Vice President of Downstream in November last year, has been replaced by Mumuni Dangazau in the same role.

The company also appointed Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer.

It added that all appointments are with immediate effect.

The statement read, “Following the appointment of the Group Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced the appointment of a new 8-man Senior Management Team on Friday.

“The team, which will be headed by the GCEO, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer; Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer; and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President of Gas, Power & New Energy.

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

“All appointments are with immediate effect.”

Meanwhile, the shareholders of the national oil firm have approved the names and portfolios of the new management team of the company that would be submitted to the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The move is in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

A copy of the resolution obtained by our correspondent showed that the submission of the names of the new NNPC management was done through a resolution that was signed by the shareholders of the company.

The shareholders are the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The resolution read, “We, the undersigned, being all the shareholders of the Company, who at the date of this resolution are entitled to attend and vote at the general meetings of the Company, signify our assent to the passing of the resolutions set out below and agree that for all purposes, the said resolutions shall be valid and effectual as if same had been passed at a general meeting of the Company duly convened and held.

“That the Board of Directors of the Company be and is hereby authorised to do all such things including without limitation to signing such documents, directing such committees or person(s), if any, as may be required by law and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company to give effect to the resolutions.

“That the company secretary is hereby authorised to make all requisite filings at the Corporate Affairs Commission.”