In a surprising development within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Olufemi Soneye, has officially resigned from his position.
Sources within the NNPC confirmed the resignation on Saturday, stating that Soneye tendered his letter earlier in the week, marking the end of his tenure which began in October 2023. His resignation comes amidst growing expectations for transparency and reform within the state-owned oil company, though no specific reasons have been made public.
Mr. Soneye, a seasoned journalist and communications strategist, was appointed during a critical period as NNPC Ltd transitioned from a state corporation into a commercial venture under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). During his tenure, he was credited with revamping the company’s communication strategy, improving engagement, and managing several public-facing campaigns designed to boost corporate image and investor confidence.
In a brief statement released through his personal media team, Mr. Soneye expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve at NNPC, adding that he looks forward to “new challenges and ways to contribute to Nigeria’s development from different platforms.”
Industry observers have noted that his exit may signal internal shifts within the NNPC’s executive structure, especially as the organization continues to grapple with issues of fuel subsidy, crude oil theft, and the quest for cleaner energy alternatives.
Meanwhile, NNPC has not yet announced a replacement. A company spokesperson said an acting officer will be appointed in the interim while the board begins the search for a substantive head of corporate communications.
Mr. Soneye’s resignation is expected to trigger discussions within the public relations and energy policy community on the evolving dynamics of corporate communications in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
Further details are expected in the coming days as stakeholders await more clarification from the NNPC management.
Tags: #NNPC #OlufemiSoneye #OilAndGas #NigeriaEnergySector #ResignationNews #CorporateCommunications #NNPCLimited
