The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has come under fresh scrutiny following allegations of discreetly appointing senior executives, even as the Federal Government’s decision to halt funding for frontier oil exploration in Northern Nigeria continues to generate widespread debate.
The controversy centres on claims that the state-owned oil company recently filled key executive and middle management positions without public advertisement, raising questions over transparency, corporate governance and compliance with the federal character principle.
Sources familiar with the exercise alleged that the appointments were made alongside the company’s Accelerated and Voluntary Exit Programme, through which experienced personnel are reportedly being encouraged to leave the organisation.
Insiders claimed that while seasoned professionals are exiting the company, senior positions are quietly being occupied through external appointments, a move they fear could weaken institutional memory built over decades.
Documents cited by Daily Nigerian reportedly show that 15 senior appointments were recently approved, with most of the appointees originating from Southern states, while only one appointee was from Kogi State in the North Central region. The appointments have sparked criticism from stakeholders who argue that the process lacked openness and may have fallen short of the constitutional requirement for equitable representation.
The development comes amid growing concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order 9, which redirects funds previously earmarked for the Frontier Exploration Fund into the Federation Account.
Industry stakeholders warned that the policy could slow exploration activities in Nigeria’s inland sedimentary basins—including the Chad, Sokoto, Bida, Benue and Gongola basins—areas widely regarded as critical to expanding the country’s oil reserves beyond the Niger Delta.
Energy experts argue that suspending dedicated funding for frontier exploration may affect Nigeria’s long-term strategy for increasing hydrocarbon reserves, diversifying production sources and strengthening energy security.
A source familiar with NNPCL’s recruitment process maintained that the company had traditionally earned a reputation for transparent and competitive hiring.
“Historically, NNPC attracted the country’s best professionals through open recruitment. Filling strategic positions without public advertisement while experienced officers are leaving raises concerns about succession planning and transparency,” the source was quoted as saying.
The source further cautioned that losing experienced professionals without a structured transition process could erode valuable institutional knowledge and affect the company’s long-term operational efficiency.
The twin issues of the alleged secret appointments and the suspension of frontier exploration funding have intensified calls from stakeholders for greater transparency, accountability and balanced representation in the management of Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas sector.
NNPCL has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
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