The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has appointed Mr. Andy Odeh and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi as its new official spokespersons, following the resignation of the former Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the state oil company announced that Odeh will now serve as Chief Corporate Communications Officer, while Adewunmi takes on the role of Chief Relations Officer.
The appointments are seen as part of NNPCL’s efforts to strengthen its public engagement and corporate image, especially at a time when the oil and gas industry faces increasing public scrutiny and the company is undergoing wide-ranging reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Mr. Andy Odeh joins the NNPCL team with a strong background in media and stakeholder engagement. He spent 26 years at Nigeria LNG (NLNG), where he held key roles in communications, public affairs, and brand management.
Odeh is known in the industry for his strategic media relations, crisis communication skills, and ability to manage corporate reputation. His appointment is expected to improve NNPCL’s external communication and boost public confidence in the company’s operations.
Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi, a seasoned legal professional, brings over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry to her new role as Chief Relations Officer.
She has worked extensively in both legal and stakeholder relations roles and is expected to play a key role in government relations, community engagement, and internal communications.
Adewunmi’s appointment also reflects NNPCL’s move to balance technical expertise with stakeholder sensitivity, particularly in its engagement with host communities and regulatory bodies.
The appointments follow the resignation of Olufemi Soneye, who previously served as the company’s spokesperson. Soneye, a journalist by background, was appointed in 2023 but stepped down recently, prompting the company to restructure its communications leadership.
NNPCL, which became a fully limited liability company in 2022 under the Petroleum Industry Act, has since been pushing for more transparency and efficiency in its operations. Strengthening its communication team is seen as a vital part of that process.
Industry watchers say the new appointments come at a critical time, as NNPCL deals with pressing issues such as fuel subsidy removal, oil theft, and public perception of the petroleum sector.
With Odeh and Adewunmi now at the helm of the company’s communications and public affairs, NNPCL is expected to adopt a more proactive media strategy and improve stakeholder relations.