Tinubu Sacked Kyari, NNPCL Board Over Performance Concerns – Officials
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to sack Mele Kyari and other board members of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited stems from mounting concern over performance and a failure to meet key production targets, Presidency officials have disclosed.
In a major shake-up, Tinubu appointed Bashir Ojulari as the new GCEO, effective April 2, 2025, while Musa Ahmadu-Kida was named non-executive chairman of the board.
Presidency officials familiar with the decision described it as a move to inject fresh energy into the NNPCL, arguing that the former leadership had stagnated.
“The President did this because of their performance. The former people were taking us in circles,” an official told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity.
“You need new people to bring new energy into the system.”
The official added that the new board comprises “core industry professionals” rather than politicians.
The new board is tasked with stabilizing crude production at two million barrels per day by 2027 and reaching three million by 2030, alongside producing 10 billion cubic meters of gas.
“He gave them his performance metrics. He asked them to review all blocks because we want to know which ones are producing and which are not,” the official said.
Industry stakeholders have reacted positively to the overhaul. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) welcomed the change, urging the new leadership to revive the country’s refineries.
“We congratulate the new man and charge him to ensure that all these government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna are producing enough fuel for the economy,” IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, told The PUNCH.
The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) also praised Tinubu’s decision, calling it a “bold step towards repositioning the oil and gas industry for greater efficiency, transparency, and profitability.”
NAPE President, Johnbosco Uche, said the board must work to enhance operational efficiency and restore investor confidence.
The Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) urged the board to focus on making Nigeria self-sufficient in refining and energy security.
“We hope that the new NNPCL board will be bullish in the quest to make Nigeria self-sufficient in domestic refining,” CORAN’s Publicity Secretary, Eche Idoko, said.
The Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria also called for a daily refining target of 700,000 barrels to achieve energy independence.
Oil and gas expert Professor Emeritus Wumi Iledare expressed optimism about the new leadership, noting that this is the first time NNPCL has a board largely free of political influence.
“Finally, NNPCL has a board that is majorly apolitical,” he said. However, he added that the new management must address key issues such as the naira-for-crude deal and divestment of assets.
Following the transition, NNPCL staff paid tribute to Kyari and the outgoing board, acknowledging their contributions.
“Mr. Kyari’s leadership and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on NNPC Ltd.,” said the company’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye.
Tinubu also appreciated their efforts in rehabilitating the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.
Kyari’s removal comes amid tensions over NNPCL’s refusal to sell crude to the Dangote refinery in naira, despite a presidential directive.
This dispute reportedly contributed to the rise in petrol prices, which surged from N860 to N930 per litre.
Meanwhile, ex-militant leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, praised Tinubu for selecting seasoned professionals.
“This decision underscores his administration’s dedication to ensuring that only competent hands are entrusted with optimising the vast benefits of our nation’s oil and gas sector,” he said.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
