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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has refuted recent claims suggesting that its employment practices and leadership appointments are influenced by ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
This response comes in the wake of an article by Farooq Kperogi, which raised concerns about the impact of ethnicity on the leadership structure of the NNPC.
In a statement over the weekend, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, firmly rejected these assertions, insisting that the company’s decisions are guided by merit, professionalism, and business requirements.
Soneye emphasised that the NNPC operates as a professional and meritocratic organisation, where employment, promotions, and appointments are based solely on qualifications, experience, and individual competencies.
He assured the public that these processes are free from considerations of ethnicity, religion, or political connections, reflecting the company’s commitment to efficient service delivery.
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“The NNPC prides itself on being a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable.
“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. This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but a sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract from the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances.
“Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several ‘firsts’ in the industry. 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 achievements 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 parochialism, as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi,” Soneye said.
The Spokesperson further clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has not interfered in NNPC’s operations but has instead introduced policies aimed at empowering the company and fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
Soneye also extended an open invitation to critics to visit the corporation and witness firsthand the professionalism and dedication that characterise its operations. He emphasised that the focus should be on the tangible results of NNPC’s work, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.
He reiterated that the NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding meritocratic principles, with a continued focus on positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector.
