In a statement released to *Daily Post* on Saturday, Oladapo Olufemi Soneye announced he had “stepped aside from his role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd,” citing personal reasons for his departure.
. A Legacy of Transparency and Impact
- Since his appointment in October 2023, Soneye transformed NNPCL’s public persona – turning formerly opaque messaging into clear, timely, and proactive communication.
- He introduced new platforms, such as the “Energy and You” series on NTA, conducted regular press briefings, and swiftly addressed misinformation, notably around refinery rehabilitation efforts.
Industry Recognition and Commendation
- Soneye earned “Distinguished Spokesperson – Oil & Gas” honors—outperforming seasoned nominees from Shell and Indorama—twice in a row [1] .
- Host communities in the Niger Delta praised his initiation of a youth talent hunt to foster inclusion and secure energy infrastructure.
Trust Building and Stakeholder Engagement
- National Assembly committees gained deeper confidence in NNPCL’s operations, thanks to Soneye's strategic public relations initiatives.
- His candid responses to criticisms—such as pipeline vandalism and refinery plant issues—helped reassure investors and media alike.
- For NNPCL:
The organization faces a critical leadership gap. Maintaining the new communicative openness and swift media response will be vital to sustaining public trust. Identifying a successor with comparable vision and media expertise will be a key strategic priority.
- For Nigerian Energy Communications:
Soneye’s departure raises questions about the durability of transparency-driven reforms. Whether the next spokesman continues his progressive direction is central to the government's broader efforts in energy sector governance.
- For Stakeholders & Observers:
Keep an eye on NNPCL’s messaging consistency and crisis responsiveness during this transition, especially amid ongoing infrastructure projects, pipeline vandalism issues, and evolving market dynamics.
Oladapo Soneye’s resignation marks the end of a bold chapter in NNPCL’s corporate communication. His tenure reshaped public engagement—with speed, clarity, and community outreach at its core. The company’s ability to sustain this momentum and cement the gains he made will define its credibility in the years ahead.
Let me know if you'd like a follow-up post exploring his nomination for a replacement or deeper analysis on NNPCL’s communications strategy.
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