The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has deployed more than 1,000 young professionals into its workforce after they successfully completed a one-year internship, intensive training and performance evaluation programme.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, announced the deployment in a post on the company’s social media platforms, describing it as a major milestone for the national oil company and a reflection of its commitment to merit-based employment.
According to Ojulari, the newly deployed employees emerged from a rigorous process involving internships, intensive training and performance assessments.
“Today marked a huge milestone for us as we officially deployed over 1,000 young professionals into NNPC Ltd after one year of internship, intensive training, and evaluation,” he said.
Ojulari said the recruitment exercise reflected the company’s commitment to merit-based employment, stressing that opportunities within NNPC Ltd would be determined by competence and performance rather than personal connections or background.
“Different paths, but the same door. And we opened it. That’s what NNPC Limited stands for today: not who you know or where you’re from, but what you can do,” he said.
He added that while the offer letters gave the young professionals the opportunity to join the organisation, their performance during the internship earned them permanent positions.
“Their offer letters got them in, but their work this past year kept them here. They proved themselves day after day, under real pressure, and that’s the standard we’re building — talent, hard work and fairness,” he said.
Ojulari encouraged the employees to contribute ideas, express their opinions and challenge existing practices where necessary.
He also urged them to take responsibility for their professional development and contribute meaningfully to the company’s growth.
“To the over 1,000 newly deployed: you are not just our future. You are our present. Our energy. Our proof.
“So don’t hesitate to lend your voice, share your opinions, and challenge the status quo. Own your development,” he said.
Ojulari further urged the employees to remember the process that led to their appointment and create opportunities for others as they advance in their careers.
“But don’t forget the wait. Don’t forget the process. Because one day, when you’re sitting where I am, you’ll remember this moment, and you’ll open that same door for someone else,” he added.
The deployment comes as NNPC Ltd continues efforts to strengthen its workforce and build capacity across its operations following its transition into a commercially oriented national energy company under the Petroleum Industry Act.
NNPC announced plans to recruit new employees in July 2024 under the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari. The successful completion of the internship programme has now led to the formal deployment of more than 1,000 young professionals into the company’s workforce.
