NNPC Defends Kyari, Ajiya’s Gratuity

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said it paid gratuities to  the Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari and Group Executive  Director Finance  and Accounting, Umar Ajiya, because their career with the defunct Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) ended in line with the provisions of Petromwum Industry Act (PIA) and Appropriate Government Circular.

The company’s Chief Communications Officer, Garba Deen Muhammad, made this known in a rejoinder to a media report (not The Nation) that the duo were paid their gratuities even as they are in the employment of the NNPCL.

The spokesman said, “Group Managing Director and Group Executive Director F&A career with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ended in line with the provisions of PIA and Appropriate Government Circular.”

The rejoinder noted that the report allegedly depicted the inappropriateness of the disengagement of the GMD, Mallam Mele Kyari and GED F&A, Mr. Umar Ajiya from the services of the old Corporation and their subsequent appointment by Mr. President to commence a new tenure as Group CEO and CFO in the new NNPC Limited.

Muhammad cited to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act and the successful transition of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to a commercially driven National Energy Company, the NNPC Limited.

April 14, 2023