By Ono Yima
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has appointed Maryam Idrisu as Managing Director of NNPC Trading and Obioma Abangwu as Chief Liaison Officer for Board Matters, in a major management shake-up that has seen the exit of over 200 staff, including several close associates of former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
This development follows the recent appointment of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive, as the new GCEO of NNPC Ltd. Since taking office on April 4, Mr. Ojulari has moved swiftly to restructure the company, implementing broad reforms aimed at opening up leadership opportunities and promoting diversity considered necessary for its survival.
Among those affected by the overhaul are Bala Wunti, former head of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS); Lawal Sade, the company’s former Chief Compliance Officer and ex-MD of NNPC Trading; and Ibrahim Onoja, Managing Director of the Kaduna Refinery.
Sources within the company indicated that the changes were part of a phased retirement scheme targeting staff with 17 months or fewer to their official retirement date. “Many of those affected had about 17 months and below to retire, so they were given incentives to leave early to allow fresh people into the system. This is a long-standing practice in NNPC,” one official said.
Insiders also say the shake-up reflects a strategic move by Ojulari to diversify leadership and enhance meritocracy within the oil firm. “This restructuring will enhance female representation in leadership positions,” said a senior company source who requested anonymity.
Maryam Idrisu, the new MD of NNPC Trading, brings a wealth of experience in the oil sector. She previously served as Executive Director for Planning & Commercial as well as Crude & Condensate at NNPC Trading. She has also held roles in the Crude Oil Marketing Division, including as Manager of Pricing & Valuation.
An economist by training, Idrisu holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Abuja and a Master’s in Energy Economics from the University of Dundee, Scotland.
Obioma Abangwu, appointed Chief Liaison Officer for Board Matters, previously served as Head of Corporate Law and Board Matters at NNPC. Sources describe her as a legal expert and seasoned internal strategist.
This restructuring represents the beginning of what industry analysts believe will be a significant transformation at NNPC under Ojulari’s leadership. It also comes at a time when calls for greater inclusion and performance-driven leadership are intensifying in Nigeria’s public sector.
By prioritizing experienced female professionals and enforcing early retirements, the new leadership appears keen to distance itself from the legacy of past administrations while injecting fresh energy into key areas like trading and compliance.
An NNPC spokesperson contacted by Rareview News Report is yet to respond to inquiries made at the time of publication.