NNPC Ltd Communications Head,Soneye, Resigns

Abuja, Nigeria – Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), has officially resigned from his position, bringing to an end his 20-month tenure at the helm of the national oil company’s public relations.

Soneye announced his departure in a heartfelt Facebook post on Saturday, June 21, 2025, explaining that his decision was driven by a need to prioritize his family and attend to personal responsibilities that now demand his full attention.

“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” Soneye wrote, a message that garnered significant applause and commendation from his followers and colleagues.

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He described his time at NNPC Ltd as a “profound honour,” expressing immense pride in having contributed to the ongoing transformation of the company. Soneye also extended his gratitude to his colleagues for their unwavering support and professionalism, acknowledging their invaluable role in shaping and amplifying the NNPC Ltd story.

Despite stepping down, Soneye pledged to remain a “steadfast supporter and ambassador” of NNPC Ltd. He urged media professionals to continue their “robust, balanced, and constructive reportage” in support of the company’s noble mission and strategic role in Nigeria’s energy future.

Soneye, a seasoned international journalist, was appointed to the role on October 18, 2023, succeeding Garba Muhammad, who had held the position since August 2021. Prior to joining NNPC Ltd, Soneye built a distinguished career working across Nigeria, Australia, and the United States. His notable past roles include serving as Editor of the US Air Force One Magazine in Washington, D.C., and as President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in the U.S. capital.

He is a respected member of several professional associations, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Guild of Corporate Online Media Publishers.

Soneye’s resignation comes amid a period of significant leadership restructuring within NNPC Ltd, which recently saw the appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer in March 2025, replacing Mele Kyari.

As of Sunday, June 22, 2025, NNPC Ltd has not yet announced a successor for the Chief Corporate Communications Officer position.