In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO) of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), shed light on the company’s ongoing transformation, recruitment exercise, and commitment to profitability and energy sustenance.

Soneye highlighted the significant changes within NNPCL, including its transition into a private limited liability company governed by the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. He emphasized the company’s expanded focus on profitability, with every employee committed to delivering value to over 200 million Nigerians.

NNPCL has restructured its operations to align with global realities and evolving energy market dynamics, focusing on investments in gas, power, and innovative solutions like compressed natural gas (CNG). Soneye noted that the company’s motto, “providing energy for today, tomorrow, and the future,” reflects its commitment to powering Nigeria’s energy sector and driving growth.

Regarding the ongoing recruitment exercise, Soneye confirmed that NNPCL is seeking talented individuals across various fields to join their dynamic team. He highlighted the overwhelming interest in the process, with millions of applications received within hours of the announcement, causing the official website to crash.

Addressing concerns about godfatherism in the recruitment process, Soneye assured that merit has been the guiding principle since 2000. He emphasized that NNPCL is virtually the only government agency where children of the less privileged have a fair chance of being hired, irrespective of tribe, faith, or gender. The recruitment exercise adheres to world-class practices, ensuring merit and transparency under the leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari.

Soneye also dispelled the notion that NNPCL is an opaque company, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and performance excellence (TAPE) in all its business dealings. NNPCL regularly publishes its Audited Financial Statements and has become a global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) supporting company, reinforcing its dedication to openness in all aspects of its operations.

In terms of profitability, Soneye highlighted NNPCL’s remarkable financial performance, with the company declaring its first-ever profit of N287 billion in 2020 and recording an unprecedented N2.548 trillion profit by the end of 2022. He clarified that subsidies are a thing of the past and that NNPCL is positioned for sustainable growth and profitability in the coming years.

Soneye expressed confidence in NNPCL’s potential to compete with its peers, stating that under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari, the company has been positioned on a path of growth and profitability. With the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) empowering NNPCL to pursue more viable and sustainable investments, Soneye believes that the company’s profit margins are set to rise in the coming years.