The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has issued a statement regarding the recent disengagement of the Group Managing Director (GMD), Mallam Mele Kyari and Group Executive Director (GED) F&A, Mr. Umar Ajiya from the services of the old Corporation. The NNPC has clarified that the disengagement was in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and appropriate government circular.

Sahara Reporters recently published an article alleging that the disengagement of the GMD and GED F&A was inappropriate, and that their subsequent appointment as Group CEO and CFO of the new NNPC Limited was not transparent. However, the NNPC has refuted these claims, stating that the PIA 2021 clearly outlines the governance, administration, and appointment of the CEO, CFO, and Board of Directors by the President.

The NNPC has emphasized that the appointment of the CEO and CFO of NNPC Limited by the President of Nigeria is based on distinct terms and conditions of service, including tenure, employment benefits, and termination. The previous rank of GMD or GED F&A was not a consideration in the appointment of the CEO or CFO of NNPC Limited, and their new roles cannot be regarded as continuance of their previous positions in the defunct Corporation.

In accordance with the PIA 2021, Mallam Mele Kyari and Mr. Umar Ajiya were appointed as NNPC Limited Group CEO and CFO, respectively, by the President for a tenure of five years each with effect from 16 September 2021. Their appointments have ended their employment with the Corporation, and they are entitled to their terminal benefits in respect thereof.

The NNPC has urged the public to disregard the misinformation and misrepresentation of facts published by Sahara Reporters, and has stated that the company will take necessary legal steps to seek redress.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Garba Deen Muhammad, said that the Group CEO and CFO have demonstrated patriotism by ending their career appointments with the Corporation to serve the nation on five years tenured appointment in NNPC Limited.

The NNPC is committed to delivering greater value to Nigerians in strict compliance with extant laws and circulars, and remains a compliant organization