Mele Kyari. Photo Credit: Kyari’s Linkedin page

Nigeria’s state oil firm has appointed Mele Kyari as the new head of crude oil marketing with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, the company said on Thursday. Kyari was formerly the general manager of the crude oil stock management of the corporation.

The previous manager of the division, Gbenga Olu Komolafe, was reassigned to cover special duties within the company last week.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corp receives about half, or 1 million barrels per day, of the country’s total production out of which 445,000 bpd is allocated to Nigeria’s refineries.

Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Public Affairs, NNPC said in a statement that the downsizing which saw the exit of all senior managers who were billed to retire between now and December 2016 is also a cost-saving measure.

“The exercise, apart from gearing the Corporation in the direction of a leaner and more efficient organization, has enormous cost-saving benefits”.

Alegbe also announced that the Group Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, has appointed new Group General Managers (GGMs) to man some of its Divisions.

Some of the new GGMs apart from Mele Kyari are: Mr. Ahmadu Sambo, NNPC Oilfield Services; Dr. Surajdeen Bola Afolabi, ITD/SAP; Mr. Zubair Aliyu, NNPC Capital; Mr. Dafe Sejebor, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS); Mrs. Kemi Akitoye, Human Resources Division; Mr. Godwin C. Okonkwo, Finance; Mr. Bello Rabiu, Corporate Planning Division; Mr. Anibo Kragha, Treasury; and Mr. Dalhatu Makama, Shipping (Nidas & Nikorma).

Others appointed are: Mr. Samuel Ndukwe, GGM, Power; Mr. Mike Balami, GGM, Accounts; Mr. Yusuf Matashi, GGM, LNG; Mr. Rabiu Suleiman, GGM, Engineering & Technology; and Dr. Olubunmi Oyetunde; GGM, Medical.