Business
Setting the record straight: Meritocracy and milestones at NNPC, By Olufemi Soneye

It is important to address the concerns raised in Farooq Kperogi’s recent article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, and to clarify some of the misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
First, employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Therefore, decisions within the NNPC are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.
This approach ensures that only the most qualified and competent individuals occupy positions that are critical to the company’s success. It is significant that our company focuses on efficient and effective service delivery, which is anchored on the commitment of qualified work team.
The NNPC prides itself on being a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable.
It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu.
This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances.
Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry.
These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence.
These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable.
This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi.
Regarding Mr Kperogi’s notions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is essential to highlight that Mr President has not interfered in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC. On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy.
President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors.
It is disappointing that individuals like Mr. Kperogi, who have lived and observed governance structures abroad, would overlook these accomplishments and focus on divisive narratives.
Symbolism, while important, must not overshadow the substantive achievements and transformative impact of policies and leadership on national development.
We extend an open invitation to Mr. Kperogi to visit the NNPC and witness firsthand the professionalism, sacrifices, and daily efforts that go into driving Nigeria’s economic engine.
He will see a team that works tirelessly to contribute to the growth of our economy and the prosperity of our nation.
The NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding the principles of meritocracy. It is through such commitments that we can continue to work to achieve and strengthen national cohesion and position Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector.
We urge commentators and stakeholders alike to base their assessments on hard facts and evidence, rather than conjectures, for the greater good of our nation.
■ Olufemi Soneye is the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd.
Business
Illicit Financial Flows Draining National Resources – Adedeji
He emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic resource mobilisation to safeguard national wealth.

•Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji
On July 22, 2025, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, delivered the welcome address at the National Conference on Illicit Financial Flows in Abuja.
He emphasizied the need to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic resource mobilisation to safeguard national wealth.
He cited the recent tax reforms as a major step forward and highlighted the following as key points in his welcome address:
* Illicit Financial Flows through tax evasion, profit shifting and money laundering are draining national resources and threatening fiscal stability.
- The recent signing of four tax reform bills marks a critical step toward transparency, system overhaul, and stronger institutions.
- FIRS is responding with a multi-dimensional strategy: promoting voluntary compliance, embracing digital intelligence and enhancing enforcement under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
- * A need for unified, data-driven, and globally coordinated action to close fiscal gaps and protect Nigeria’s economic future.
Business
Just in: CBN Retains July Interest Rate at 27.5% , Says 8 banks meet recapitalisation target
The Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja this afternoon.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained the July Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.5 percent with all policy parameters.
The Governor of CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja this afternoon.
Mr Cardoso explained that the asymmetric corridor was retained at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR, leaving the Cash Reserve Ratio at 50 per cent for Deposit Money Banks and a general Liquidity Ratio of 30 percent.
He said that the decision to maintain the current MPR was premised on the need to continue to ensure the ongoing inflation reduction while vigorously ensuring declining prices.
The CBN boss revealed that as of July 18, the nation’s foreign reserve stood at 40.1 billion, which could provide import cover of nine and a half months.
He also disclosed that eight banks had achieved the new recapitalisation requirements.
The governor said the monetary and fiscal authorities would continue to work together to reduce the nation’s inflation rate to a single digit.
Business
NCS Replacing 4% import charges with 1% CISS import levy
Adeniyi explained that the one percent CISS levy has been in place for several years and has been instrumental in facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government.

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it will be replacing the proposed 4 percent import levy with the existing 1 percent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy.
The Comptroller -General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made the revelation at an engagement held in Lagos to sensitize stakeholders in the B’Odogwu platform.
The CGC who is also the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explained that, though the introduction of the 4 percent FOB had been enshrined in the constitution.
He noted that the decision to reintroduce the levy was made after careful consideration and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Adeniyi explained that the one percent CISS levy has been in place for several years and has been instrumental in facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government.
-
News2 days ago
BREAKING: Group of retired police officers protest against poor welfare
-
Politics3 days ago
Senate dares Natasha to resume on Tuesday
-
Sports2 days ago
African junior champs: Nigeria Wins Gold Medals across Sprints
-
Sports3 days ago
Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh, Loses Brother
-
Sports3 days ago
NPFL Holds Draw for 2025/26 Season Fixtures at AGM, July 28
-
Sports2 days ago
Athletes from 31 countries arrive Nigeria for African Karate Championship
-
Business2 days ago
Zenith named Nigeria’s best bank at Euromoney awards for excellence 2025
-
News1 day ago
BREAKING: Natasha arrives at the National Assembly to resume duty