Meet Tinubu’s new appointees at NNPC Ltd
By Seun Ibiyemi
President Bola Tinubu has made significant changes at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd.), appointing a fresh leadership team to help strengthen the company’s operations and improve its prospects for growth.
These new executives are expected to play a key role in driving the transformation of NNPC Ltd., focusing on improving efficiency, attracting investment opportunities, and enhancing the company’s competitiveness on the global stage.
With a clear aim to modernise and restructure this energy giant, the new appointments are considered critical in supporting Tinubu’s broader economic objectives. These include boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas sector output and attracting foreign investments.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
The announcement, made on April 2 by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, follows a sweeping board overhaul that saw the removal of NNPC’s chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and former GCEO Mele Kyari, along with other board members appointed in November 2023.
Ojulari, an industry veteran with over three decades of experience, is expected to assume office immediately.
His appointment comes at a critical juncture for NNPC as the company navigates ongoing energy reforms, production challenges, and Nigeria’s broader economic strategy.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Ojulari’s journey to the pinnacle of the country’s petroleum sector began at Ahmadu Bello University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering in 1989.
His academic background laid the groundwork for a career defined by technical expertise and strategic leadership in oil exploration, production, and energy management.
Soon after graduation, he began his career as a Fields and Process Engineer at Elf Petroleum Nigeria in 1989, gaining hands-on experience in production systems and operational efficiency.
His technical acumen quickly earned him a place at Shell, one of the world’s largest oil companies, where he would spend the next 24 years honing his expertise and rising through the ranks.
Ojulari’s tenure at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) was marked by transformative leadership
From 2015 to 2021, he served as the company’s Managing Director, overseeing Shell’s deepwater assets, including the massive Bonga oil field, Nigeria’s first deepwater project.
Under his leadership, Shell’s deepwater operations expanded, producing up to 320,000 barrels per day, while he spearheaded cost-saving measures that reduced operational expenses by 30 per cent and boosted production efficiency by 20 per cent
Beyond operational success, he played a crucial role in renegotiating production-sharing contracts and securing agreements for multibillion-dollar projects.
His ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and commercial negotiations helped secure investment in Nigeria’s offshore oil sector, a critical component of the nation’s economy.
Prior to his tenure as MD, Ojulari held key leadership roles within Shell, including Development Director at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from 2010 to 2015, where he managed petroleum engineering operations for over 100 oil and gas fields and oversaw projects with a combined budget of $700 million.
Following his time at Shell, Ojulari transitioned to the private sector, where he continued to influence Nigeria’s energy landscape. In 2021, he founded BAT Advisory & Energy Company Nigeria Ltd, providing strategic consultancy to leading oil and gas firms.
He later took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company in 2024, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and business growth.
His extensive experience in both corporate and advisory roles positions him uniquely to lead NNPC at a time of evolving global energy policies and increasing pressure to reform Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
As the new head of NNPC, Ojulari faces the daunting task of steering the company through Nigeria’s post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) reforms, tackling oil theft, improving production output, and maximizing energy revenues for national development.
The new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, is from Borno State. He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984.
He also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol (IFP) in Paris.
He started his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985.
Musa became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015.
Last year, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group.
Apart from his oil industry career, Ahmadu Musa Kida is a former basketballer and the president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation(NBBF) board.
Adedapo Segun has been retained as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) following a leadership restructuring approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His continued tenure signals confidence in his financial expertise and strategic oversight as NNPC undergoes significant transformation.
Segun joined NNPC Ltd in April 2016 as Treasurer, where he played a key role in financial management and optimization strategies. Under his leadership, the Group Treasury achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, marking a milestone in quality management within the company’s finance and accounts division.
In 2022, as NNPC transitioned into a limited liability company, Segun was appointed Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer.
His responsibilities included developing financing strategies and enhancing investor relations, which are crucial to NNPC’s long-term plans, including a potential Initial Public Offering (IPO).
By November 2024, Segun was appointed CFO, succeeding Umar Ajiya. In this role, he has overseen financial restructuring and spearheaded strategic initiatives to improve NNPC’s financial health.
On April 2, 2025, President Tinubu approved a leadership overhaul at NNPC Ltd, appointing a new 11-member board and making sweeping changes across top management positions.
Despite the restructuring, Segun retained his position as CFO, highlighting the government’s trust in his leadership and financial expertise.
With over three decades of experience in finance and the oil and gas sectors in both Nigeria and the United States, Segun is a well-respected figure in the industry.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), having qualified in 1990.
His tenure as CFO is expected to further NNPC’s strategic goals of financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness.
As the company continues its transformation, Segun’s expertise will remain instrumental in guiding NNPC’s financial direction.
Bello Rabiu was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), representing the North West geopolitical zone.
His appointment comes as part of a broader leadership restructuring aimed at enhancing efficiency and governance within the national oil company.
Bello Rabiu is a seasoned professional in the oil and gas sector with nearly three decades of experience at NNPC.
He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Mathematical Statistics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
During his tenure at NNPC, Rabiu rose through the ranks to serve as the Chief Operating Officer/Group Executive Director of the Upstream Business Unit before retiring in July 2019.
In this role, he oversaw key operations, including the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). He also played a vital role in policy implementation and strategic planning within NNPC.
Before leading the Upstream Business Unit, Rabiu was the Group General Manager of the Corporate Planning & Strategy Division and also served as a Senior Technical Assistant to the Group Managing Director.
His extensive experience in competitive analysis, material management, and exploration services positions him as a key figure in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
After leaving NNPC, Rabiu transitioned into agribusiness and is currently the CEO of Dankiri Farms and Commodities Limited.
Rabiu’s appointment as a Non-Executive Director aligns with President Tinubu’s broader efforts to reform NNPC Ltd, ensuring that experienced professionals are at the helm of governance.
His vast expertise in upstream operations and corporate strategy is expected to contribute significantly to the board’s decision-making processes.
With NNPC Ltd navigating a crucial phase in its evolution as a fully commercial entity, Rabiu’s presence on the board is anticipated to bolster corporate governance, financial prudence, and strategic execution in Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.
Yusuf Usman’s appointment as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), representing the North East geopolitical zone.
His appointment is part of a broader leadership restructuring aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency within the national oil company.
Yusuf Usman is a seasoned energy industry executive with extensive experience in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
He previously served as a Group Executive Director at NNPC, where he played a key role in upstream operations, corporate strategy, and gas commercialization.
During his tenure at NNPC, Usman was instrumental in advancing the corporation’s efforts in gas infrastructure development and energy transition initiatives.
His work focused on enhancing Nigeria’s gas utilisation strategies, aligning with the country’s push for a cleaner energy mix.
Usman’s appointment to the NNPC Ltd board comes at a critical time as the company navigates its transition into a fully commercial entity.
His expertise in gas development and strategic planning is expected to strengthen NNPC’s governance framework and contribute to its long-term growth.
With President Tinubu’s emphasis on boosting Nigeria’s energy sector, Usman’s role as a Non-Executive Director is anticipated to help drive investment, improve transparency, and support NNPC Ltd’s goal of becoming a globally competitive energy company.
Dr. Babs Omotowa’s appointment as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), representing the North Central geopolitical zone.
His appointment is part of a broader effort to strengthen NNPC Ltd’s leadership with experienced professionals from the oil and gas industry.
Dr. Babs Omotowa is a globally recognised oil and gas executive with over 25 years of experience in the industry.
He previously served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), where he played a pivotal role in the company’s expansion and operational excellence.
Under his leadership, NLNG made significant contributions to Nigeria’s gas commercialisation and revenue generation.
Beyond NLNG, Omotowa has held several leadership positions in the global energy sector, particularly in areas of corporate strategy, governance, and sustainability.
His work has spanned key roles at Shell and other multinational energy firms, focusing on operational efficiency, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.
Omotowa’s appointment to NNPC Ltd’s board aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of ensuring that experienced industry professionals guide the company’s transformation.
His expertise in gas development and international energy markets will be instrumental in shaping NNPC Ltd’s strategic direction as it continues its transition into a commercially driven entity.
Austin Avuru’s appointment as a Non-Executive Director on the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), representing the South-South geopolitical zone.
His appointment is part of a broader effort to strengthen NNPC Ltd’s leadership with experienced industry professionals.
Austin Avuru is a highly respected figure in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, best known as the co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Petroleum Development Company, a leading independent oil and gas firm in Nigeria.
Under his leadership, Seplat played a key role in Nigeria’s upstream sector, particularly in acquiring and managing oil assets divested by international oil companies.
Avuru began his career as a petroleum geologist and has over 30 years of experience in exploration, production, and corporate governance. Before founding Seplat, he worked with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Allied Energy Resources, where he gained extensive expertise in asset development and strategic planning.
He has also served as the President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE).
Avuru’s appointment to the NNPC Ltd board aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of ensuring that experienced industry leaders play a key role in the company’s governance.
His expertise in exploration and production, as well as his experience in corporate leadership, is expected to contribute to NNPC’s strategic goals of operational efficiency, investment attraction, and transparency.
As NNPC Ltd continues its transition into a fully commercial entity, Avuru’s presence on the board is expected to enhance decision-making processes, foster innovation, and support Nigeria’s long-term energy security and economic growth.
David Oluseyi Ige was also appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the company’s board. David Ige brings over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas sector to his new role.
He is a seasoned energy professional with a wealth of expertise in upstream, downstream, and corporate strategy. Ige’s career spans a range of leadership roles, with a focus on corporate governance, strategic planning, and operational excellence within major energy companies.
Before his appointment to NNPC Ltd’s board, Ige served in significant roles, including as a Group Executive Director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
During his tenure, he played a key role in managing NNPC’s key operations and driving strategic initiatives that contributed to the company’s performance and growth.
Ige’s appointment is expected to bring invaluable insights to NNPC Ltd as the company continues its transformation into a fully commercial entity. His experience in navigating the complex challenges of the energy sector, combined with his strategic acumen, positions him to contribute meaningfully
Henry Obih was equally appointed as Non-Executive Director of NNPC Ltd. Henry Obih is a highly experienced executive with a long-standing career in the oil and gas sector. He served as the Chief Operating Officer of Mobil Producing Nigeria, where he was responsible for overseeing the company’s upstream operations, including exploration, production, and strategic planning.
His leadership helped Mobil Nigeria solidify its position as a key player in the country’s energy landscape.
Obih also brings a wealth of knowledge in corporate governance, financial management, and strategic leadership.
He is known for his ability to lead complex projects and drive operational efficiencies in large organisations. His extensive experience extends beyond oil and gas, as he has also contributed to financial services, serving as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Fidelity Bank.
Obih’s appointment to the NNPC Ltd board is expected to provide strategic insights into the company’s direction, particularly as NNPC transitions into a fully commercial entity.
His wealth of knowledge in the oil and gas sector, coupled with his understanding of corporate governance, will be crucial as NNPC Ltd works to enhance transparency, improve operational performance, and drive sustainable growth.
Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya was also appointed as Non-Executive Director of NNPC Ltd. Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya is a seasoned public administrator with extensive experience in financial management and policy development.
She currently serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, where she has played a crucial role in managing public finances and implementing economic policies.
Her work in the Ministry has given her significant experience in public sector governance, financial oversight, and strategic planning.
With a background in finance and administration, Mrs. Jafiya brings a wealth of expertise in managing large-scale budgets, fiscal discipline, and the implementation of governmental financial strategies.
Her insights will be instrumental in shaping NNPC Ltd’s fiscal policies, enhancing transparency, and improving the overall governance of the organization.
Mrs. Jafiya’s appointment to the NNPC Ltd board is expected to bolster the company’s strategic direction, particularly in aligning its financial operations with national economic goals.
Her expertise will play a key role in supporting NNPC Ltd’s objectives of improving financial management, increasing operational efficiency, and restoring investor confidence.
As the company continues its transformation into a commercial entity, her leadership will be critical in ensuring that NNPC Ltd effectively manages its resources, adheres to best practices in corporate governance, and contributes meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s energy sector.
With professionals like Mrs. Jafiya on board, NNPC Ltd is poised to continue on its path toward enhanced productivity, transparency, and global competitiveness in the energy market.
