More than 70 percent of employees eligible for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s voluntary retirement programme have indicated interest in leaving the company early, according to officials familiar with the scheme.

The initiative, introduced through the Accelerated Exit Scheme and Voluntary Exit Scheme, is aimed at employees nearing retirement age and is part of NNPC’s workforce renewal and restructuring efforts.

Company officials said participation is voluntary and no worker is being compelled to leave. Employees who choose to retire early will receive enhanced exit benefits, while those who prefer to remain in service can continue until their statutory retirement date.

NNPC management says the programme is designed to support organisational transformation, improve efficiency, and create opportunities for younger professionals to join the company.

Officials also noted that the scheme would help open up positions for new talent and specialised hires as the national oil company continues reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and long-term sustainability.

The company recently recruited more than 1,000 employees, and insiders say the retirement initiative is expected to further support workforce renewal while giving eligible staff the flexibility to pursue other opportunities.