NNPC Ltd appoints new heads of corporate communications, public relations

By Seun Ibiyemi

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced the appointment of Mr Andy Odeh and Mrs Morenike Adewunmi to strategic leadership positions, strengthening its corporate communications and stakeholder engagement teams.

A statement issued by the company’s management on Tuesday confirmed that Odeh has been named Chief Corporate Communications Officer, while Adewunmi will serve as Chief Relations Officer.

Odeh brings over 30 years of expertise in communications and business administration spanning the oil and gas, advertising, and broadcasting sectors. He previously spent 26 years at Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), where he held leadership roles in Community Relations and Development, Information Management and Technology, and Corporate Communications.

The statement described him as a respected communications strategist recognised for leading high-profile public relations and advertising campaigns for prominent brands. At NLNG, he spearheaded a major rebranding initiative and oversaw one of Nigeria’s most successful micro-credit schemes for host communities. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.

Odeh is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), among other institutions.

Adewunmi, a lawyer with over 25 years of experience, was commended for her expertise in stakeholder management and advocacy, honed during a long career at Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN). She is credited with navigating complex external relations landscapes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and safeguarding the company’s operational standing.

At Shell, Adewunmi held several senior positions, including Regulatory Affairs Manager, overseeing mandatory regulatory engagements and securing key permits, and Government Relations Manager, where she developed strong ties with the Presidency, ministries, and regulatory agencies.

The statement described her as a skilled leader with deep knowledge of non-technical risks, strong emotional intelligence, and an extensive stakeholder network. She is a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Nigerian Law School.

According to NNPC Ltd., the appointments reflect its commitment to strengthening communication, bolstering stakeholder trust, and reinforcing its position in Nigeria’s energy sector.