Tinubu Sacks Mele Kyari as NNPC Boss, Appoints Bayo Ojulari

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, including its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, and Board Chairman, Pius Akinyelure.

The decision, effective April 2, 2025, was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu cited the need to boost operational efficiency, restore investor confidence, and make NNPC more commercially viable.

Exercising his authority under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the president reconstituted the board with new leadership to enhance the company’s performance and align it with global best practices.

Bayo Ojulari has been named the new Group CEO, replacing Kyari, while Ahmadu Musa Kida takes over as NNPC’s non-executive chairman. Additionally, Adedapo Segun has been confirmed as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

In line with the PIA, Tinubu also appointed six non-executive directors, representing each geopolitical zone:

•Bello Rabiu (North-West)

•Yusuf Usman (North-East)

•Babs Omotowa (North-Central)

•Austin Avuru (South-South)

•David Ige (South-West)

•Henry Obih (South-East)