A restructuring exercise has claimed at least 200 officials of the NNPC, Peoples Gazette can report, as chief executive Bayo Ojulari launches his first broad action on the state-run oil firm since he assumed office earlier this month. 

Multiple company sources listed Bala Wunti, former head of NAPIMS, and Lawal Sade, the agency’s chief compliance officer, among those who were either forced to retire or terminated with immediate effect. Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of the Port Harcourt Refinery, has also been excused from the organisation, sources said.

NNPC’s C-suite and rank-and-file appeared excited about the exercise, multiple sources said, with some suggesting Mr Ojulari took the action to create broader opportunities for women and other minority groups to advance in the organisation. 

“Over 200 employees have just been asked to go,” a top official said under anonymity to discuss the action. “This restructuring will enhance female representation in leadership positions.”

Mr Ojulari elevated Maryamu Idris to replace Lawal Sade as managing director of trading, an official said, where she would oversee crude oil transactions. Obioma Abangwu was appointed chief laiason office for NNPC’s management board, The Gazette heard. 

A corporate communications spokesman for the NNPC did not immediately return a request seeking comments about today’s development. 

Mr Ojulari, a former Shell executive, assumed office on April 4, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu a few days earlier. He replaced Mele Kyari, a career official who ran the oil giant for five years before his removal.