The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has embarked on an ambitious restructuring initiative with the appointment of new key figures to its leadership team. Roland Ewubare has been named the Group Chief Operating Officer (COO), while former ExxonMobil official Adesua Dozie takes on the role of Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer. Additionally, Mumuni Dagazau has been appointed as the Executive Vice President (EVP) Downstream, and Sophia Mbakwe as EVP Business Services.
These appointments are part of a broader effort following the removal of former NNPC Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and Group CEO, Mallam Mele Kyari, along with other board members. The new board, chaired by Ahmadu Kida, has been tasked with steering the company towards new growth targets and aligning with the objectives of the Nigerian government.
A letter from the Ministry of Finance, dated April 2, 2025, ratified these appointments in compliance with relevant laws. It was noted that the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated (MOPI) serve as the statutory shareholders of NNPC, each holding an equal stake in the company on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The federal government emphasized that the new leadership must focus on key objectives, including increasing crude oil and gas production, strengthening domestic refining capacity, and attracting strategic investments in the energy sector. The Ministry also authorized the Board of Directors to make necessary filings with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and to implement the resolutions effectively.
Focus on Vision and Efficiency
In an official handover ceremony, the new Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, took charge of the company, succeeding Mallam Mele Kyari. Ojulari commended Kyari for his contributions to NNPC’s growth and stated that his management would aim to build on the successes achieved under his predecessor. He highlighted that while the challenges ahead were significant, his leadership would depend on the cooperation of NNPC staff and the guidance of Kyari.
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, expressed confidence in the new leadership’s ability to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In his letter, Edun stressed the need for impeccable integrity, accountability, and efficiency to position NNPC as a competitive player in the global energy sector, contributing to Nigeria’s energy security and industrial growth.
Key Leadership Changes
Along with Ewubare’s appointment as COO, other key figures have been appointed to top positions within NNPC, including:
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Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Finance Officer
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Olalekan Ogunleye as EVP Gas, Power & New Energy
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Udobong Ntia as EVP Upstream
The restructuring is seen as a strategic move to enhance NNPC’s performance across various sectors and ensure the company can effectively contribute to Nigeria’s economic stability.
A Distinguished Career for Roland Ewubare
Roland Ewubare, the newly appointed COO, is a seasoned global business leader with a wealth of experience in both Nigeria and the United States. Before his appointment, Ewubare served as the COO at NNPC, where he oversaw critical divisions such as Upstream and Ventures. His previous roles also include Group General Manager of NNPC’s National Petroleum Investments Management Services and senior positions at Schlumberger, including Corporate Counsel and Executive Director of Schlumberger Nigeria.
Ewubare holds an impressive academic background, including a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife, a Master of Laws in International Business Law from Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London, and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School. He is also an Alumni in Residence at Harvard Law School and has lectured on energy policy and climate change at the University of Maryland and the Georgia Institute of Technology.