Femi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has resigned, effective June 20, 2025.
Soneye’s departure, announced via a statement on June 21, coincides with a leadership transition at NNPCL, amid probes into former Group CEO Mele Kyari. Soneye, appointed in October 2023, cited personal reasons for his exit but praised NNPCL’s reforms, including a 2024 profit of ₦3.3 trillion.
His tenure saw improved transparency, with monthly financial reports mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act. However, controversies, including fuel subsidy disputes and Kyari’s EFCC probe, strained public trust. An anti-corruption group disowned a petition against Kyari.
NNPCL named Olufemi Lijadu as interim spokesperson. Analysts link Soneye’s exit to internal restructuring, with NNPCL planning a new board by Q3 2025. Soneye’s resignation drew mixed reactions, with some praising his media engagement.