The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims of President Bola Tinubu’s interference in its operations.
It emphasized that appointments and promotions are strictly merit-based and free from bias.
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Olufemi Soneye, dismissed allegations in Prof. Farooq Kperogi’s article, stating that NNPCL’s processes are not influenced by ethnicity, religion, or politics.
He called the claims misconceptions.
Soneye highlighted that NNPCL remains focused on professionalism and efficiency, guided by expertise and business needs, with no external influence from the presidency or other political affiliations.
He stated that President Tinubu does not influence NNPC’s operations or leadership decisions.
“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. President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation. His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors,” he said.
The NNPC spokesman highlighted that the company is a professional organization with a globally diverse leadership team. He confirmed the verifiable contributions of qualified foreigners enhancing production and distribution processes.
“It is, thus, 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,” he said.
He noted that under Mele Kyari’s leadership, NNPCL has achieved significant milestones and pioneered several industry “firsts.”
“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. These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable”.
This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi,” he said.
RN
