NNPC Reforms Under Threat as Former Executive Allegedly Orchestrates Internal Sabotage

A quiet storm is brewing within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), as powerful vested interests reportedly launch a covert campaign to derail President Bola Tinubu’s energy sector reforms.

According to credible sources within the organization, the current leadership of NNPCL—led by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO)—is facing an orchestrated attack allegedly spearheaded by a former top executive of the company. This individual, who once held the position of Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), is accused of trying to claw his way back into the company’s inner circle after resigning under controversial circumstances.

What started as subtle lobbying has escalated into a coordinated smear campaign. The target: the company’s GCEO and his management team, praised widely for introducing transparency and professionalism into the operations of Nigeria’s most strategic national asset.

Insiders allege that the former executive, who reportedly has a history of disrupting leadership at the top, is using media outlets, political connections, and company insiders to discredit the new management. His name has previously surfaced in sensitive financial scandals—including the Halliburton case and a $280 million oil servicing fraud—though he has denied all wrongdoing.

The situation reached a breaking point when the individual, after reportedly lobbying for the GCEO role and being given a different senior position without a seat on the company’s Board, began maneuvering to build influence across departments. Sources claim he strategically placed allies in key roles and sowed dissent internally.

Things came to a head just before a major NNPC strategy retreat. False reports surfaced online accusing the current leadership of misusing private jets for personal trips. Though the allegations were debunked, the damage had already been done—particularly due to a delayed response by the company’s communications team, which was also said to be under the influence of the same former executive.

In a dramatic twist, the former executive reportedly submitted a resignation via text message while the GCEO was live on stage during a town hall meeting. Though he later tried to walk back the resignation, citing supposed intervention from “higher authorities,” no official statement supported his claims.

Since then, there has been a noticeable uptick in instability, both internally and in NNPC’s regional operations. Intelligence sources suspect a deliberate effort to create dysfunction and portray the current GCEO as ineffective.

Stakeholders are alarmed. Many within and outside the industry believe the present NNPC leadership—comprising seasoned experts with strong international credentials—is the most competent team the company has ever had. If they are derailed, it could spell doom for the broader reform agenda.

“This isn’t just a power play,” said one insider. “It’s a direct threat to the President’s legacy and the future of Nigeria’s energy independence. What NNPC needs right now isn’t sabotage—it’s stability and support.”

Observers now watch closely to see how the presidency and relevant authorities will respond to this unfolding internal crisis. For many, this moment will define whether real reform in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is possible—or if old interests will once again win the day.