Tinubu Defies Outcry, Reappoints Kyari as NNPCL CEO

President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Mallam Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) despite warning from Nigerians and civic organizations calling for his removal.

Over 570 civic organisations had in October, called on President Tinubu to prosecute the NNPCL boss for alleged massive corruption and fraudulent diversion of billions of dollars to personal and cronies’ accounts.

Kyari was also accused of failing to account for N100 trillion from the time he took over as the Managing Director of NNPCL. 

However, Tinubu on Monday, announced his reappointment in a statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.

The president also appointed the management team of the corporation, with Chief Pius Akinyelure as Non-Executive Board Chairman.

“In compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Board and Management team for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) with effect from December 1, 2023:”

The composition is as follows:

Chief Pius Akinyelure — Non-Executive Board Chairman

Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari — Group Chief Executive Officer

Alhaji Umar Isa Ajiya — Chief Financial Officer

Mr Ledum Mitee — Non-Executive Director

Mr Musa Tumsa — Non-Executive Director

Mr Ghali Muhammad — Non-Executive Director

Prof. Mustapha Aliyu — Non-Executive Director

Mr David Ogbodo — Non-Executive Director

Ms Eunice Thomas — Non-Executive Director

President Tinubu further approved the appointment of two Permanent Secretaries, namely Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, and Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.