President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mele Kyari to the head the crude oil sales department of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

This was revealed by the management of the NNPC on Thursday, August 13, 2015, according to Reuters.

TheStreetReporters.com gathered that Kyari replaces Gbenga Olu Komolafe, who was reassigned to cover special duties within the company.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corp
receives about half of the country’s total production out of which 445,000 bpd is allocated to Nigeria’s refineries.

Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Public Affairs, NNPC said in a statement, made available to TheStreetReporters.com, that the downsizing which saw the exit of all senior managers who were billed to retire between now and December 2016 is also a cost-saving measure.

“The exercise, apart from gearing the Corporation in the direction of a leaner and more efficient organization, has enormous cost-saving benefits”.

Alegbe also announced that the Group Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, has appointed new Group General Managers (GGMs) to man some of its Divisions.

Some of the new GGMs apart from Mele Kyari are: Mr. Ahmadu Sambo, NNPC Oilfield Services; Dr. Surajdeen Bola Afolabi, ITD/SAP; Mr. Zubair Aliyu, NNPC Capital; Mr. Dafe Sejebor, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS); Mrs. Kemi Akitoye, Human Resources Division; Mr. Godwin C. Okonkwo, Finance; Mr. Bello Rabiu, Corporate Planning Division; Mr. Anibo Kragha, Treasury; and Mr. Dalhatu Makama, Shipping (Nidas & Nikorma).

Others appointed are: Mr. Samuel Ndukwe, GGM, Power; Mr. Mike Balami, GGM, Accounts; Mr. Yusuf Matashi, GGM, LNG; Mr. Rabiu Suleiman, GGM, Engineering & Technology; and Dr. Olubunmi Oyetunde; GGM, Medical.

The NNPC has undergone a major shakeup since Buhari appointed new Group Managing Director, Ibe Kachikwu earlier this month.