Business News Correspondent
Bosun Ayetiwa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has once again demonstrated its commitment to transformation, transparency, and effective stakeholder management by appointing two highly accomplished professionals, Mr. Andy Odeh and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi, into key executive positions. The appointments, announced in Abuja on Tuesday, are part of NNPC’s broader strategy to sharpen its brand positioning, enhance stakeholder engagement, and consolidate its place as a world-class energy company.
The move underscores NNPC’s recognition that in today’s global oil and gas landscape, communication and relationship management are as critical as technical expertise. For a company transitioning into a fully commercial entity after years of being state-run, such appointments reflect a deliberate effort to adopt international best practices in governance, corporate reputation, and strategic partnerships.
Andy Odeh: A Veteran in Corporate Communications
Appointed as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh brings over 30 years of professional experience across communications, business administration, and strategic relations. His track record is impressive, with a remarkable 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG), where he rose through the ranks to become General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development.
During his tenure at NLNG, Odeh earned widespread respect for his visionary leadership. He was instrumental in managing NLNG’s corporate rebranding, creating the widely celebrated NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting, and implementing one of the country’s most impactful micro-credit schemes for host communities—a program that helped thousands of Nigerians build sustainable livelihoods.
Odeh’s educational journey mirrors his professional excellence. He studied at the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, and further honed his skills at the prestigious INSEAD Business School in France. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), an institution known for grooming leaders in public and private sectors.
Colleagues describe him as a strategic thinker and bridge-builder with the rare ability to translate complex corporate goals into relatable messages that resonate with diverse audiences—from local host communities to global stakeholders.
Morenike Adewunmi: Building Bridges Through Stakeholder Engagement
Alongside Odeh’s appointment, Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi was named Chief Relations Officer, a role that places her at the heart of NNPC’s interactions with government institutions, regulators, and international partners.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Adewunmi is no stranger to the complexities of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Her career was largely shaped at the Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN), where she served in senior roles such as Regulatory Affairs Manager and Government Relations Manager. In these capacities, she successfully cultivated strategic relationships with the Presidency, ministries, and other high-level stakeholders, ensuring that Shell’s operations maintained alignment with government priorities and regulatory frameworks.
A trained lawyer, Adewunmi graduated from Olabisi Onabanjo University before attending the Nigerian Law School. Beyond her legal expertise, she is widely respected for her leadership skills, advocacy strength, and emotional intelligence—qualities that have made her effective in navigating delicate negotiations and conflict resolution.
Industry analysts believe her appointment is a clear signal that NNPC intends to place greater emphasis on policy advocacy, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder trust-building, all of which are essential to the company’s success as it seeks to compete globally.
Why These Appointments Matter
The dual appointments reflect NNPC’s ongoing transformation agenda, which aims to reposition the company from being seen merely as a government-owned oil firm to being recognized as a globally competitive, commercially driven energy company.
By bringing in seasoned professionals with extensive experience in corporate communications, regulatory relations, and stakeholder engagement, NNPC is not only addressing immediate reputational needs but also investing in the long-term credibility of its brand.
The oil and gas industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by energy transition, geopolitical tensions, and increasing calls for accountability. For NNPC, effective communication and trusted relationships with stakeholders—from host communities to international investors—are no longer optional; they are strategic imperatives.
Industry watchers note that these appointments may help the company navigate challenges such as community relations, environmental concerns, and policy advocacy, while also boosting investor confidence at a time when Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is seeking renewed foreign investment.
A Step Toward Global Standards
With Odeh and Adewunmi joining the leadership team, NNPC has taken a bold step toward aligning itself with the best corporate practices seen in international oil companies. Both appointees are not only experienced but also deeply familiar with Nigeria’s socio-political environment, making them uniquely equipped to balance global standards with local realities.
Ultimately, their success will be measured by how effectively they can strengthen NNPC’s voice, foster trust across stakeholders, and reinforce the company’s reputation as a reliable energy partner in Africa and beyond.
As NNPC embarks on this next chapter, the appointments serve as a reminder that leadership in the energy sector is not only about oil barrels and pipelines—it is about people, perception, and partnerships.
