Former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti, has formally retired from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), declaring that he gave his all to the state-owned oil firm during his years of service.
Wunti made this known during an emotional handover ceremony held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday, where he transferred leadership of the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) division to the acting head, Akpabio Essien.
Reflecting on his career, Wunti said, “It felt both daunting and exhilarating to step into an organisation that held so much promise and carried such tremendous responsibility for Nigeria’s economy.
As the years passed, my responsibilities increased, each forward step bringing new challenges and invaluable lessons.”
He described his journey as one marked by key milestones — from starting at the Eleme Petrochemical Complex in Rivers State, to heading strategic units such as Brass LNG’s market research division and the post-COVID upstream revival efforts at NUIMS.
“I had the opportunity of leading the operationalisation of successful breakthrough initiatives, such as the resolution of the high-impact, multi-billion dollar deep water PSC arbitration, protracted EGTL cost dispute, and ‘Operation White’ to curb smuggling of petroleum products across borders,” he stated.
Wunti also highlighted his role in major national projects like the Kolmani Integrated Oil Development, and his advocacy for gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel under the ‘Nigasification strategy.’“It was not just about policy, but also about passion, a heartfelt conviction to do what is right and what is best,” he said.
In what he described as a crowning achievement, Wunti pointed to his leadership role in the transformation of NNPC into a limited liability company under the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), aimed at improving transparency and commercial viability.
“I had the honour of leading the NNPC team in successfully transitioning the NNPC into NNPC Limited… positioning it as a dynamic global energy company of choice,” he said, adding that he also played a pivotal role in pushing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to eventual passage after a 20-year delay.
On the international front, Wunti represented Nigeria in global forums including OPEC and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). “These interactions broadened my worldview… and deepened my appreciation for international energy diplomacy,” he said.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the company’s leadership and his HSE team. “With the support of our GCEO, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, the GCOO, Mr. Roland Ewubare, the CFO, Mr. Adedapo Segun and the rest of the Senior Management Team, my HSE team has successfully delivered key projects that I bequeath as my legacy to NNPC HSE.”
Wunti’s departure marks the end of a long and impactful career, with his legacy rooted in integrity, innovation, and national service.
