Barring any unforeseen circumstances, there are indications that a massive shake-up will be carried out at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation this week.
The massive shakeup may not be unconnected to the over 19 management positions that are yet to be occupied due to statutory retirements since December 2020
For instance, the position of Chief Operating Officer ( Downstream) has been vacant since December 2020 when Mrs Lawrencia Ndupu statutorily retired from that position.
Ndupu who is representing the South-East region at the top management level of the NNPC had yet to be replaced since her retirement.
The implication of this, according to sources is that there is currently no representation from the South-East at that level of management at the NNPC.
Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji who is COO Ventures and Business Development has been seen several times in public events acting as COO Downstream.
It was also gathered that replacements would be announced to fill the vacant positions left due to the retirement of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company, as well as the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
In the same vein, the MD Petroleum Products Marketing Company, Mr Musa Lawal and Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Dr Kennie Obateru are due for retirement in September this year.
These promotions will pave the way for the massive redeployment of management personnel to the Corporation’s Strategic Business Units for optimal performance
“There is going to be a massive shake-up at the NNPC following the 19 vacant positions that we now have in the Corporation.
“You will recall that the COO Downstream, Mrs Lauretta retired since December 2020 and she is representing South-East in the NNPC management level.
“No one has replaced her yet and by implication, there is no representation from the SE. Instead, Eng Adeyemi Adetunji who is COO Ventures and Business Development has been seen severally in public events acting as COO Downstream.
“The MD PPMC Musa Lawal and GGM Group Public Affairs Dr Kennie Obateru are also due for retirement sometime in September this year.
“Don’t forget that the MD of Nigerian Gas Marketing Company and MD of PH Refineries have all retired without replacement.
“It is expected that someone from the SE will be promoted to COO to replace Mrs Ndupu.
“Some persons have been working in those positions in an acting capacity.”
