Israel Umoh
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)/Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) led by several Group Managing Directors (GMDs) and later, Group Chief Executive Officers (GCEOs), was established in 1977.
Despite the years, an Akwa Ibom indigene is yet to be appointed as a Group Managing Director (GMD) later, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO).
At the moment, Akwa Ibom State is Nigeria’s top oil-producing state, with an estimated daily crude oil output of 504,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Recall that on December 1, 2023, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Ms. Eunice Thomas — Non-Executive Director into the Board and Management team for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
Related news: NNPC Shake-Up: Kyari out, Ojulari in as New GCEO
Straightnews Online highlights the list of the NNPCL’s leadership and states of origin from inception to date:
A. Marinho (July 1977 – April 1980) – Ogun State
Odiligi Lolomari (April 1980 – August 1981) – Rivers State
Lawrence Amu (October 1981 – November 1985) – Abia
Mr. Aret Adams (November 1985 – April 1990) – Edo State
Dr. Thomas Asuquo John (April 1990 – June 1990) – Cross River
Mr. Edmund Daukoru (June 1992 – October 1993) – Bayelsa State
Chamberlin Oyibo (November 1993 – August 1995) – Rivers State
Dalhatu Bayero (August 1995 – May 1999) – Kano State
Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki (May 1999 – November 2003) – Edo State
Funsho Kupolokun (November 2003 – September 2007) – Ondo State
Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua (September 2007 – January 2009) – Katsina State
Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo (January 2009 – April 2010) – Adamawa State
Shehu Ladan (April 2010 – May 2010) – Kaduna State
Augustine O. Oniwon (May 2010 – June 2012) – Kogi State
Andrew Yakubu (June 2012 – August 2014) – Kaduna State
Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha (August 2014 – August 2015) – Borno State
Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu (August 2015 – July 2016) – Delta State
Dr. Maikanti Kachalla Baru (July 2016 – July 2019) – Bauchi State
Mele Kolo Kyari (July 2019 – April 2025) – Borno State
Bashir Bayo Ojulari (April 2025 – present) – Kwara State
