Workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have issued a warning to the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, expressing strong opposition to the recruitment of external candidates for top and middle-level management positions within the company.
The workers, represented by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), argue that such external appointments overlook the career progression of dedicated internal staff and could lead to industrial action if not addressed.
In a joint letter dated April 4, 2025, addressed to the NNPC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, the unions highlighted past instances where external appointments did not yield positive results and instead demoralized long-serving employees.
They emphasized that NNPC is home to numerous experienced professionals who deserve opportunities for advancement. The unions have placed their members on alert, indicating readiness to initiate a total shutdown of operations if their concerns are not promptly addressed.
