In a sweeping overhaul of its leadership structure, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has dismissed several high-ranking executives.

Notably among those affected are Bala Wunti, former head of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS); Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of the Kaduna Refinery; and Lawal Sade, former managing director of NNPC Trading and most recently the company’s chief compliance officer.

All three were considered close allies of Mele Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO).

The shake-up, which has impacted over 200 employees so far, is seen as the first phase of broader organizational reforms. It follows the appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO, who assumed office four weeks ago.

In a notable shift, the restructuring has ushered in more women into top leadership positions. Maryam Idrisu now heads NNPC Trading, overseeing all crude oil transactions, while Obioma Abangwu has been named chief liaison officer for board affairs.

The changes have been largely welcomed by staff, who see them as a step toward modernization and greater inclusivity.

Three days after Ojulari took the helm, NNPC also constituted an eight-member senior management team to steer the company’s strategic direction.