After an illustrious 34-year career with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari’s tenure came to an end on April 2, 2025. Having joined the corporation as a Processing Geophysicist in 1991, Kyari steadily rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a skilled oil and gas strategist before becoming the 19th Group Managing Director (GMD) on July 7, 2019, under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
His appointment came at a critical period in Nigeria’s energy sector, marked by fluctuating oil prices, an urgent need for industry reforms, and growing calls for transparency in NNPC operations. Kyari’s leadership was defined by his bold moves, including spearheading the transition of NNPC into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.)—a landmark shift under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
Under his stewardship, NNPC Ltd. became a fully commercialized entity, moving away from government funding and embracing operational independence. Kyari played a crucial role in securing foreign investments for the oil and gas sector, negotiating key deals in the deep offshore industry, and fostering a more transparent petroleum supply chain.
However, his tenure was not without controversy. Despite efforts to curb fuel subsidy corruption, critics argued that the company still struggled with inefficiencies in fuel supply and pricing. His leadership faced significant tests, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on global oil demand, OPEC production cuts, and the challenges surrounding Nigeria’s crude oil theft crisis.
As Kyari steps away after 34 years of service, industry analysts reflect on his legacy—one of transformation, resilience, and persistent challenges. His removal on April 2, 2025, leaves open questions about the next phase of leadership at NNPC Ltd. and how Nigeria’s oil and gas industry will navigate the evolving energy landscape.
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