The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has bolstered its executive leadership with the appointments of Mr. Andy Odeh as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi as Chief Relations Officer.
The appointments, announced in a company press statement on Tuesday, underscore NNPCL’s renewed commitment to strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Mr. Odeh joins NNPCL with over 30 years of experience spanning communications, business administration, advertising, and broadcasting.
Before this appointment, he enjoyed a distinguished 26-year tenure at Nigeria LNG (NLNG), where he held pivotal roles in Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Community Relations, Information Management, Government Relations, and Regulatory Compliance. Most recently, he served as General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development.
During his career at NLNG, Odeh was instrumental in leading major public relations campaigns, rebranding initiatives, and community development programs.
Notably, he established one of Nigeria’s most successful micro-credit schemes for host communities and founded the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting, aimed at promoting excellence in energy journalism.
Odeh is an alumnus of the University of Jos, the University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the Nigeria Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), among other prestigious institutions.
In a statement, NNPCL highlighted Odeh’s track record in managing complex corporate communications projects and his ability to harmonize corporate objectives with public expectations.
His leadership is expected to elevate NNPCL’s communications strategies, enhancing transparency, corporate reputation, and stakeholder trust.
Mrs. Morenike Adewunmi brings over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, with specialized expertise in stakeholder management, advocacy, and regulatory compliance.
She previously held several senior positions at Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN), including Regulatory Affairs Manager and Government Relations Manager.
In these capacities, Adewunmi managed regulatory engagements, oversaw permits and compliance requirements, and fostered strong relationships with key government institutions, ministries, and agencies.
Her legal background, anchored in studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Nigerian Law School, complements her extensive corporate experience, equipping her to navigate the complex regulatory and political landscape of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Adewunmi is recognized for her emotional intelligence, leadership acumen, and ability to develop robust stakeholder networks, particularly in environments where regulatory adherence is critical to operational success.
NNPCL’s appointments of Odeh and Adewunmi reflect the company’s strategic focus on strengthening internal communications, corporate governance, and external stakeholder engagement.
By investing in leadership with deep industry knowledge and proven track records, NNPCL is positioning itself to effectively address both technical and non-technical challenges in the energy sector.
Analysts note that these appointments come at a time when NNPCL is navigating critical reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, including efforts to improve transparency, enhance public-private partnerships, and strengthen community relations.
The company’s strengthened leadership team is expected to play a pivotal role in driving its communication strategy, advocating for sustainable energy practices, and fostering stronger government and community relations.
In addition to internal management objectives, NNPCL is likely to leverage Odeh and Adewunmi’s expertise to improve the company’s public image, support media engagement, and enhance investor confidence.
Their combined experience offers a rare blend of communication excellence, legal insight, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
With Nigeria seeking to expand its petroleum sector while balancing social and environmental responsibilities, these strategic appointments signal NNPCL’s proactive approach to aligning corporate leadership with national energy priorities.
Both Odeh and Adewunmi are expected to champion initiatives that reinforce transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s energy sector.
As NNPCL continues to evolve in a competitive and highly regulated environment, the industry will be closely watching how the new leadership duo leverages their expertise to enhance the company’s operational effectiveness, community relations, and international standing.