Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed allegations of ethnic bias in its operations and leadership, asserting that President Bola Tinubu does not interfere in its affairs or influence personnel movements.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, issued a statement on Saturday in response to an article by Professor Farooq Kperogi titled “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC.”
In his article, Kperogi alleged a “Yorubacentric takeover” of NNPCL and claimed that a specific individual was being proposed as the next Group Managing Director (GMD) after Mele Kyari’s tenure.
Soneye refuted the claims, stating, “Employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation.
“Decisions within the NNPCL are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.”
He also clarified that President Tinubu’s administration prioritises transformative policies and does not interfere in NNPCL’s internal operations.
“On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy,” Soneye stated.
He emphasised that Tinubu’s reforms have empowered the NNPC to operate independently, creating an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
Soneye also defended the NNPCL’s leadership structure, highlighting its diversity and professionalism.
“The company is a professional organisation with a leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria,” he explained.
He added, “The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable.”
The NNPCL spokesperson expressed disappointment at Kperogi’s focus on ethnicity, saying, “It is sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu.”
Under Mele Kyari’s leadership, Soneye noted, the NNPCL had achieved significant milestones, including advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships.
“These milestones were not defined, coloured, or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence,” he said.
Soneye concluded by reiterating the company’s commitment to professionalism and competence, rejecting claims of parochialism in its operations.