Femi Soneye has officially stepped down from his role as the spokesperson for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
His resignation comes just 20 months after he was appointed as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the energy giant.
Soneye made the announcement in a personal statement released on Saturday, where he expressed deep gratitude to the media, Nigerians, and his colleagues for their support.
According to him, the decision to step aside was influenced by the need to spend more time with his family and attend to pressing personal matters.
“It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country, and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd,” Soneye said in his farewell message.
While emphasizing that he remains a firm supporter and ambassador of NNPC, Soneye acknowledged the trust reposed in him during his tenure.
He also thanked all those who helped in shaping the narrative around NNPC’s activities over the past 20 months.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals both within and outside the organization with whom I have worked,” he said.
Soneye urged journalists and media outlets to continue their constructive and balanced coverage of NNPC, especially as the company plays a central role in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“I enjoin you, dear colleagues, to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the Company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future,” he added.
The resignation comes amid a wave of leadership restructuring at the national oil company.
Just three months ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made sweeping appointments to the NNPC board.
Bayo Ojulari was appointed as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), replacing Mele Kyari, while Ahmadu Musa Kida was named the non-executive chairman, taking over from Pius Akinyelure.
Furthermore, the president appointed six new non-executive directors, one from each geopolitical zone, to reinforce governance at the company.
Among them are Bello Rabiu for the north-west, Yusuf Usman from the north-east, and Babs Omotowa, a former MD of Nigeria LNG, for the north-central.
Others include Austin Avuru for the south-south, David Ige for the south-west, and Henry Obih for the south-east.
In addition, key representatives from the ministries of finance and petroleum resources were appointed to the board—Lydia Shehu Jafiya and Aminu Said Ahmed respectively.
NNPC spokesperson resigns during a period of organizational transformation, and many will be watching closely to see who steps in to fill the role.
