By Ebenezer Mabinuola
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has confirmed the resignation of its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye. His departure, announced Saturday June 21, 2025, marks the end of a 20-month tenure defined by strategic communication reforms and efforts to reshape public perception of the state-owned energy giant.
Appointed in August 2023, Soneye brought a transformative approach to NNPC’s external engagement, earning recognition for steering the company’s public image through a critical phase of institutional evolution. His resignation, attributed to personal and family obligations, was communicated via a signed statement in which he thanked colleagues, stakeholders, and media partners for their support.
Describing the decision as a deeply personal one, Soneye stated that he was stepping away to focus on family matters and other private responsibilities. The move aligns with a growing trend among executives prioritising work-life balance amid the demanding nature of high-level corporate roles.
During his tenure, Soneye played a pivotal role in refining NNPC’s messaging and enhancing its corporate reputation. He was credited with establishing a vibrant communications platform that navigated the often-turbulent waters of Nigeria’s oil and gas discourse. His achievements in media relations and public engagement earned him notable industry accolades, including recognition as an “Image Maker of the Year.”
The resignation has drawn moderate reactions across media platforms and social media. Online posts from various outlets, including observers on X (formerly Twitter), generally reflected acceptance of his decision, with no major controversy or speculation. One light-hearted mention even suggested a potential successor, though clearly made in jest.
Internally, Soneye’s departure is viewed as a moment of transition for NNPC, which is expected to name a replacement in the coming days. According to insiders, the company’s communications operations are expected to maintain continuity, especially as Soneye has pledged to remain a “committed ambassador” for the organisation.
The change comes at a time when NNPC Ltd is deepening its public engagement efforts amidst national debates on fuel subsidy removal, energy transition, and sector transparency. The incoming spokesperson will have the task of sustaining momentum in a space where public trust and corporate responsibility remain essential.
Soneye’s resignation also reinforces broader industry conversations around executive burnout, personal well-being, and the need for organisational policies that support family-life integration at the highest levels.
His exit may be the end of a formal chapter at NNPC, but his influence is likely to persist as the company navigates a new phase in its evolving communication strategy.
