A former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, has exited the national oil company, with a formal handing over ceremony to the acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Akpabio Essien.
Wunti, who retired as Chief HSE Officer, during a farewell event at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday, reminisced on his decades-long service at the NNPC, maintaining that he did his best for the oil firm.
Wunti, in an emotional ceremony, recalled his early days at the Eleme Petrochemical Complex, Rivers state, ‘As a young, hopeful, perhaps a little naive’ employee, stressing that it was there he learnt the fundamental lessons of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Ending with a stint at the Group HSE Division, he stated that all these formed chapters in the story of his commitment to the progress of the company, guided by its core values of integrity, excellence and sustainability.
“I had the opportunity of leading the operationalisation of successful breakthrough initiatives, such as the resolution of the high-impact, multibillion dollar deepwater Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) arbitration, protracted EGTL cost dispute and ‘Operation White’ to curb the smuggling of petroleum products across borders.
“I also led the vital Kolmani Integrated Oil Development projects which was an exceptional opportunity. These were more than just strategic projects; they represented a collective resolve to serve Nigeria and NNPC with honour and glory,” he added.
Besides, Wunti mentioned his several advocacies, such as the one for gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel, under the NNPC ‘Nigasification strategy’, for which he led its formulation.
According to him, it was not just about policy, but also about passion, a heartfelt conviction to do what is right and what is best. “Seeing such efforts materialise through changes to national policy has been immensely rewarding,” he emphasised.
Furthermore, Wunti pointed out that he had the honour of leading the NNPC team in successfully transitioning the NNPC into NNPC Limited as part of the implementation of the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
This, he said, aimed to improve transparency, accountability, and commercial viability, positioning NNPC as a dynamic global energy company of choice, having earlier contributed significantly to the eventual passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law as the PIA in 2021, following a 20-year delay.
“On the global stage, my active participation in international organisations, especially the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) provided me a unique platform to represent Nigeria and NNPC on a global level, engaging with some of the world’s most influential energy policymakers, economists and strategists.
“These interactions broadened my worldview, sharpened my understanding of global oil market dynamics and deepened my appreciation for international energy diplomacy, negotiation, and multilateral cooperation.
“Narrowing my focus to the last couple of months, during which I served as Chief Health, Safety, and Environment Officer, I was privileged to work on several transformative initiatives that offered the unique opportunity to enhance safety and sustainability across the company.
“With the support of our GCEO, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, the GCOO, Mr. Roland Ewubare, the CFO, Mr. Adedapo Segun and the rest of the Senior Management Team, my HSE team has successfully delivered key projects that I bequeath as my legacy to NNPC HSE,” Wunti said.
