The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially absorbed more than 1,000 young professionals into its workforce after they successfully completed a one-year internship, intensive training programme, and performance evaluation.
The announcement was made by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, who described the deployment as an important achievement for the national energy company and a sign of its commitment to developing young Nigerian talent.
According to Ojulari, the newly deployed employees earned their positions after completing a demanding programme that combined practical work experience, professional training, and continuous performance assessments.
He explained that the recruitment process was designed to reward talent, dedication, and hard work rather than personal connections or background.
Ojulari said the company’s goal is to create a workplace where opportunities are based on ability and performance. He noted that the successful candidates came from different backgrounds but were united by their commitment to proving themselves throughout the internship programme.
He stressed that receiving an offer letter was only the first step, while consistent performance over the past year was what secured their permanent roles within the organisation.
According to him, the company is building a culture that values competence, fairness, and excellence, ensuring that employees are recognised for what they contribute instead of who they know.
The NNPC boss encouraged the new staff members to actively participate in shaping the future of the company by sharing ideas, asking questions, and taking responsibility for their professional growth.
He urged them not to be afraid to challenge existing ways of doing things if they have better ideas that can improve the organisation.
Ojulari also reminded the employees not to forget the journey that brought them to this stage. He encouraged them to remember the patience, effort, and determination required to earn their positions and to create similar opportunities for others when they become leaders in the future.
He described the newly deployed workers as more than future leaders, saying they are already an important part of the company’s present success and ongoing transformation.
The large-scale deployment forms part of NNPC’s broader efforts to strengthen its workforce as it continues to operate as a commercially focused national energy company under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Since becoming a limited liability company, NNPC has been working to improve operational efficiency, attract skilled professionals, and build a workforce capable of competing in the global energy industry.
Investing in young professionals is seen as a key part of that strategy, helping the company prepare for future challenges while ensuring it has a steady pipeline of qualified employees.
The recruitment initiative was first announced in July 2024 during the leadership of the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. The selected candidates were placed on a structured internship programme where they gained practical experience across different areas of the company’s operations.
Following one year of training and successful evaluations, they have now been officially deployed into permanent positions.
Industry observers say the exercise demonstrates NNPC’s growing focus on merit-based recruitment and workforce development. They believe the initiative will not only strengthen the company’s operations but also provide valuable career opportunities for young Nigerians seeking to build careers in the country’s oil and gas industry.
The successful deployment of over 1,000 professionals marks another step in NNPC’s efforts to modernise its workforce, promote fairness in recruitment, and prepare the organisation for long-term growth in Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.
