NNPCL's Recruitment Process Guarantee Selection of Top Candidates, CCCO Soneye says

He mentioned that subsidies are now obsolete and emphasized that the company's profitability remains unaffected.

During this opportune conversation with Peter Uzoho, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, CCCO, of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye elaborates on the ongoing recruitment efforts of the company and addresses matters related to profitability and energy sustainability.

Some people still see NNPCL as NNPC of old. What has changed?

Significant transformations have occurred within our organization. Firstly, we have transitioned into a public limited liability company, now operating as a legitimate commercial entity under the regulations of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the stipulations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. This change mandates us to seek funding on a global scale to effectively manage our business and operations.

Secondly, our business has undergone substantial expansion, with a strong emphasis on profitability driving this growth. We have ceased all activities that do not contribute to our financial success. From the Group CEO to the newest member of our team, there is a unified commitment to delivering value to over 200 million Nigerians.

Thirdly, we have restructured our operations to better align with contemporary global trends and the shifting dynamics of the energy market. Our guiding principle, “providing energy for today, tomorrow, and the future,” underscores our forward-looking approach. We are making strategic investments in gas and power sectors.

We are evolving from a conventional oil and gas company into a comprehensive energy enterprise with interests in power generation and transmission. Throughout Nigeria, we are developing essential gas infrastructure projects that will bolster power generation, rejuvenate industries, generate substantial revenue for the nation, create millions of job opportunities for our youth, and stimulate economic recovery. Our recent investments in compressed natural gas (CNG), a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy alternative, exemplify our dedication to innovation within the energy sector. For instance, vehicle owners who have switched to CNG can travel from Lagos to Ijebu Ode and return for only N8,000.

Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order has positioned the sector on a progressive trajectory. We are consistently investing in innovations to enhance Nigeria’s energy sector and foster growth.

 

Before we go further, please clarify this: Is there truly a recruitment exercise going on at NNPCL?

Yes, we have just announced  the commencement of our 2024 recruitment drive. We are actively seeking skilled and talented individuals across diverse fields to join our esteemed organization.

Expatiate on the ongoing exercise because its believability quotient is low among Nigerians?

The interest in our recruitment process has been overwhelming. For a long time, we have been a highly sought-after organization. The credibility of our recruitment is evident by the sheer volume of traffic that caused our official website to crash shortly after the process began. We received millions of applications within hours, an unprecedented response. This level of interest reflects the belief that applicants have in their opportunity to join Africa’s largest energy company.

Since 2000, when we began significant intake of graduate trainees, our guiding principle has always been merit. The records are available for anyone to verify. NNPCL is virtually the only government agency where children of the less privileged have a fair chance of being hired, irrespective of tribe, faith, or gender.

The 2019 recruitment was highly transparent. Under the leadership of GCEO Mele Kyari, all hiring methods, screening processes, tests, and interviews adhere to world-class practices, ensuring merit and transparency. We are also an inclusive organization, employing people with disabilities. Once you meet the requirements, you have a chance.

Successful candidates who went through the process without knowing anyone are sharing their stories on social media.

While some candidates who were not selected may seek to deter others from applying, we are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining a recruitment process that is equitable and transparent.

In discussing the differences between the former corporation and the newly formed limited entity, it is important to clarify the structural aspects. Some Nigerians continue to believe that the NNPCL structure is unclear, a point previously mentioned by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Nevertheless, the claim that NNPC Ltd is an opaque organization is inaccurate.

Those who advocate for this belief often have personal, political, or other ulterior motives. Although everyone is entitled to their opinions, such opinions do not carry significant weight.

What opacity exists in a company that consistently keeps its shareholders, particularly millions of Nigerians, informed about its operations? Where is the lack of transparency in a company that regularly publishes its Audited Financial Statements for scrutiny?

Under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari, NNPC Ltd has adopted the principles of transparency, accountability, and performance excellence (TAPE) in all its business dealings with stakeholders. Notably, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last year, we became a global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) supporting company, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and accountability.

Joining EITI as a partner company places us among over 65 extractive companies, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), commodity traders, financial institutions, and industry partners dedicated to adhering to EITI’s standards of transparency and accountability. This commitment underscores our unwavering dedication to openness in all aspects of our operations.

How profitable is NNPCL? It is believed that subsidy is still being paid.

NNPC Ltd has emerged as a profitable entity with the capability to compete effectively within its industry. Under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari, the company has embarked on a trajectory of growth and enhanced profitability.

For the first time in 43 years, NNPC reported a profit. The loss of N803 billion recorded in 2018 was significantly reduced to N1.7 billion in 2019. In 2020, we achieved a landmark profit of N287 billion, representing a crucial turning point for the organization.

We have maintained this upward momentum, achieving a profit of N674.1 billion in 2021. By the conclusion of 2022, our profit soared to an extraordinary N2.548 trillion, marking the highest financial achievement in our 46-year history.

This performance over the last five years clearly indicates that NNPC Ltd is progressing in the right direction and is capable of delivering substantial returns to its shareholders. The Group Chief Executive Officer frequently emphasizes that we are a $60 billion company.

With the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) enabling us to pursue more viable and sustainable investments, we anticipate an increase in our profit margins in the forthcoming years. Furthermore, we have unequivocally stated that subsidies are no longer applicable; they are a thing of the past.