The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has made significant changes in its corporate communications structure, announcing the appointment of two senior executives to drive its public engagement and stakeholder management strategy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state-owned energy firm confirmed the appointment of Mr. Andy Odeh as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi as Chief Relations Officer. The move is seen as part of NNPC’s wider effort to reposition itself for greater transparency, public trust, and effective collaboration with host communities, regulators, and international partners.

Describing both appointees as “seasoned executives,” the company emphasized that their combined expertise will strengthen its interface with critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Odeh, a veteran communications strategist with over three decades of professional experience, previously spent 26 years at Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). During his career at NLNG, he led initiatives in community relations, logistics, IT, corporate communications, public affairs, and regulatory compliance. He was also instrumental in the company’s rebranding, the establishment of one of the country’s most successful micro-credit schemes for host communities, and the creation of the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.

He holds degrees from the University of Jos and the University of Lagos and is an alumnus of INSEAD Business School, France, as well as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

Mrs. Adewunmi, on her part, brings over 25 years of legal and regulatory experience in the oil and gas sector. She joins NNPC Ltd. from Shell Companies in Nigeria, where she served in key capacities including Regulatory Affairs Manager and Government Relations Manager. Known for her strong stakeholder engagement skills, she has been described as an expert in managing non-technical risks.

A law graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Adewunmi was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing her training at the Nigerian Law School.

Industry observers note that the appointments are timely, coming a little over two months after the resignation of Olufemi Soneye as Chief Corporate Communications Officer on June 21, 2025. The company appears to be retooling its communications strategy at a time when transparency, community relations, and investor confidence remain central to its operations.

“Mr. Odeh and Mrs. Adewunmi’s appointments underscore NNPC Limited’s commitment to enhancing communication and strengthening engagement with stakeholders,” the company said in its statement.