Tensions within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have reached a boiling point, as Chief Corporate Communications Officer Femi Soneye steps aside following weeks of friction with the corporation’s new management.
Although Soneye attributed his exit to personal reasons in a statement released Saturday, multiple sources within NNPC indicated that his departure is deeply tied to growing distrust, allegations of information leaks, and concerns over media fund mismanagement.
According to insiders, the conflict escalated after the leak of sensitive details about the controversial Rwanda Retreat—an executive gathering that attracted both public outrage and political scrutiny.
NNPC’s new leadership reportedly suspected Soneye played a role in the leak to investigative outlet Sahara Reporters, intensifying internal divisions.
The situation was further complicated by what some staff have described as “questionable oversight” of media-related expenditures during Soneye’s tenure. Concerns about the transparency and accountability of the media budget have reportedly triggered a quiet but far-reaching review within the communication department.
Despite the storm, Soneye maintained a calm public tone in his resignation letter. “It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country,” he said. “I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go.”
However, analysts view his exit as a sign of deeper turbulence within the top ranks of Nigeria’s national oil company. With the new leadership pushing for tighter control and a rebranding of NNPC’s image, the shake-up in the communications wing may just be the first of several strategic realignments.
As NNPC navigates a delicate period of internal transition and public perception challenges, the departure of its media chief raises urgent questions about unity, transparency, and control at the top.