The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has embarked on a sweeping internal restructuring, sacking several top executives closely linked to Mele Kyari, the former Group CEO who was removed earlier this month.

Among those shown the door are Bala Wunti, former head of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS); Ibrahim Onoja, managing director of Kaduna Refinery; and Lawal Sade, NNPC’s chief compliance officer and former managing director of NNPC Trading.

The shake-up, according to a report by TheCable, affects over 200 employees across different levels within the company.

It signals what insiders describe as the beginning of “broader internal reforms” aimed at repositioning the state-owned oil giant.“This is more than a reshuffle—it’s a realignment,” an internal source told BusinessDay.

“There’s a clear message: a new era is unfolding, and the company wants to break with old loyalties.”

Sources close to the company say the restructuring is also focused on increasing gender diversity in leadership positions, a move that has reportedly been well-received internally.

“There’s a sense of renewal across departments,” another staff member noted. “People feel seen, especially women who have long waited for a seat at the table.”

The shake-up comes at a turbulent time for NNPC, which is under pressure due to prolonged refinery shutdowns and underperformance at key facilities.

This restructuring is expected to pave the way for more reforms as the company seeks to rebuild public trust and operational efficiency following Kyari’s controversial exit.