Wunti was honored at a farewell event held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja over the weekend, where he delivered an emotional address reflecting on his long and impactful career. He emphasized his unwavering dedication to the national oil company, stating that he gave his best to its advancement.
A Journey of Growth and Impact
Recalling his early days, Wunti spoke of starting his career as a "young, hopeful, perhaps a little naive" employee at the Eleme Petrochemical Complex in Rivers State. It was there that he first imbibed the crucial values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience that would define his professional journey. He described the initial experience as "both daunting and exhilarating to step into an organisation that held so much promise and carried such tremendous responsibility for Nigeria’s economy.”
Throughout his decades at NNPC, Wunti held a variety of strategic roles, each contributing significantly to the company's progress. These positions included Head of Market Research at Brass LNG, General Manager of the Efficiency Unit, and Senior Technical Adviser to the Group Managing Director. Notably, he spearheaded NNPC’s post-COVID upstream revival efforts, first at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and later at NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS), laying the groundwork for a new era of success.
Championing Key Projects and Transformation
As Chief HSE Officer, Wunti oversaw a portfolio of impactful projects that addressed critical challenges and advanced NNPC's strategic objectives. Among these were the successful resolution of deepwater Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) arbitration and the EGTL cost dispute. He also led ‘Operation White,’ a major initiative designed to combat petroleum smuggling, demonstrating his commitment to operational integrity.
Furthermore, Wunti spearheaded the Kolmani Integrated Oil Development project, a significant undertaking for Nigeria's energy future. He was also instrumental in developing NNPC’s ‘Nigasification’ strategy, passionately advocating for gas as Nigeria’s crucial transition fuel in the global energy shift. He highlighted that "these were more than just strategic projects; they represented a collective resolve to serve Nigeria and NNPC with honour and glory.”
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| L-R: Acting Head, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), NNPC, Mr Akpabio Essien and erstwhile Head of the Division, Mr Bala Wunti, during the handover ceremony in Abuja |
On the international stage, Wunti was a prominent representative for Nigeria and NNPC at key global platforms, including the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). These engagements broadened his exposure to international energy diplomacy and policy-making, further enriching his expertise.
In his final months as Chief HSE Officer, Wunti led several transformative HSE projects, including a comprehensive HSE rebranding initiative, the implementation of the Incident Management Reporting Application Plus (IMRA+) which replaced the older MySafety application, the Fire Extinguisher Management System (FEMS), and a thoroughly updated NNPC HSE Policy and Process Guidelines (HPPG).
A Legacy of Gratitude and Service
Reflecting on his career, Wunti emphasized that his most cherished memories extended beyond corporate milestones to encompass the profound personal connections he forged over the years.
"As I clear out my desk and bid my final goodbyes, I do so with a heart overflowing with gratitude,” he shared, acknowledging that “For everything I have given, I have received more.” He concluded his heartfelt address with a poignant message: “Though this office may no longer carry the sound of my footsteps, I hope the imprint of my service lives on—enduring, steady, and true… This is not goodbye. It is a benediction. A trace in time that says: ‘I was here. I gave my best. And I am grateful.’”