By John Paul
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has appointed Mr. Andy Odeh and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi to head its long-vacant communications and relations desks, marking a significant move to strengthen the company’s public affairs machinery.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the state energy company said Odeh assumes office as Chief Corporate Communications Officer, while Adewunmi takes charge as Chief Relations Officer. The appointments, insiders say, close a gap in NNPC’s leadership structure that had left its external communications and stakeholder management functions without permanent heads.
Odeh, who joins from Nigeria LNG (NLNG) where he served for 26 years in senior roles, brings wide-ranging experience spanning corporate communications, government relations, community development, and sustainable business. At NLNG, he managed rebranding projects, instituted the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting, and oversaw one of Nigeria’s most acclaimed micro-credit schemes for host communities. He has also worked in advertising and broadcasting, and is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Adewunmi, a lawyer with more than 25 years in the oil and gas sector, previously held senior positions at Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN), including Regulatory Affairs Manager and Government Relations Manager. She is recognised for her expertise in stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and advocacy, and has built extensive networks across government institutions. A graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Nigerian Law School, Adewunmi is described as a subject matter expert on non-technical risks, with strong leadership and negotiation skills.
According to NNPCL, the new appointments are aimed at deepening stakeholder engagement and strengthening corporate communication as the company undergoes transformation under its new commercial structure.
“The appointment of Mr. Odeh and Mrs. Adewunmi reflects NNPC Limited’s commitment to enhancing communication and engagement with stakeholders,” the company said.
Industry observers note that the move ends months of speculation about when NNPC Ltd would properly fill its public affairs office, considered vital for transparency, investor relations, and community engagement in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.