President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mele Kolo Kyari as the new Group Managing Director for Nigeria’s National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Mele Kolo Kyari’s appointment as replacing for incumbent Maikanti Baru who is due to retire in July, takes effect from 7th July, 2019.

President Buhari has also appointed seven (7) new Chief Operating Officers with effect from 7th July, 2019.

They are Roland Onoriode Ewubare, South-South, Chief Operating Officer, Upstream; Mustapha Yinusa Yakubu, North-Central, Chief Operating Officer, Refining and Petrochemicals;

3. Engineer Yusuf Usman (North-East) – Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power;

4. Ms. Lawrencia Nwadiabuwa Ndupu (South-East) – Chief Operating Officer, Ventures;

5. Mr. Umar Isa Ajiya (North-West) – Chief Financial Officer;

6. Adeyemi Adetunji (South-West) – Chief Operating Officer, Downstream;

7. Farouk Garba Said (North-West) – Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services (with effect from 28th June, 2019);

The President has directed that the new appointees work with the current occupants of the various positions between now and 7th July, 2019 towards a smooth transition on 8th July, 2019.

The new Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Kyari Mele Kolo hails from Borno State.

A geologist, Mallam Kyari is a quintessential crude oil marketer with prerequisite certification and outfield pedigree in petroleum economics and crude oil and gas trading.

He is currently Nigeria’s Representative at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) where he provides leadership and participates in engagements relating to crude oil, gas production and associated market issues.

Kyari, considered by many at the NNPC towers as a model servant leader who’s actions inspire, serve, and empower others to produce the best.

He is credited with the transformation of the management of the complex Crude oil Marketing of the nation’s crude oil through the establishment of world class systems and processes.

Mele Kyari, who shares the same surname with President Buhari’s Chief of Staff is not related to Abba Kyari with those in contact with him during his 28 years at the corporation describing him as results-driven leader.