The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), now known as NNPC Limited following its transition to a commercial entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, managing the country’s vast oil and gas resources. Mele Kyari served as its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) from July 7, 2019, until his exit in early April 2025, a tenure marked by significant achievements, controversies, and transformative shifts in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Kyari, a geologist by training with over three decades of experience in the oil industry, took the helm of NNPC at a time when the corporation faced entrenched challenges: corruption allegations, operational inefficiencies, and a reliance on imported fuel despite Nigeria’s status as an oil-rich nation. His leadership coincided with the PIA’s passage, which aimed to restructure NNPC into a profit-driven entity akin to global oil majors like Saudi Aramco. Under Kyari, NNPC Limited reported its first profit in decades—₦287 billion in 2020—published audited financial statements for the first time, and pursued ambitious projects like refinery rehabilitation and pipeline security enhancements.
However, Kyari’s tenure was not without turbulence. The persistent fuel scarcity that plagued Nigeria, particularly in 2024, drew sharp criticism, with many blaming NNPC’s management for failing to resolve supply bottlenecks. His clash with Aliko Dangote over crude oil supply to the $20 billion Dangote Refinery became a public spectacle, raising questions about NNPC’s commitment to supporting local refining capacity. Additionally, a $6.8 billion debt admission in 2024 fueled demands for his resignation, with groups like the APC Youth Solidarity Network accusing him of mismanagement. The rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, costing over $4 billion, yielded mixed results—production resumed at Port Harcourt and Warri, but critics argued the output remained insufficient to end import dependency.
Kyari’s exit in April 2025 came amid a sweeping overhaul by President Bola Tinubu, who replaced him with Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive, on April 2. Reports differ on whether Kyari resigned or was sacked. Some sources suggest he sought to step down multiple times, with Tinubu finally approving his departure, while others frame it as a dismissal due to perceived stagnation at NNPC. Regardless, his departure coincided with the appointment of a new board, signaling Tinubu’s intent to boost oil production—targeting 2 million barrels per day by 2027—and revitalize refining capacity.
Kyari’s legacy at NNPC is a mixed one. He navigated the corporation through a historic transition, improved transparency, and tackled oil theft with military collaboration, contributing to a production uptick. Yet, the unresolved fuel crises, refinery delays, and economic strains left many Nigerians disillusioned. As of April 4, 2025, with Ojulari now steering NNPC Limited, the focus shifts to whether these changes will deliver the long-promised energy security and economic stability for Africa’s largest oil producer.
