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Tag: Bala Wunti

  • I did my best for NNPCL, says Bala Wunti

    I did my best for NNPCL, says Bala Wunti

    A former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS), Mr Bala Wunti has said he gave his best to the state -owned oil firm.

    He retired from the national oil company, with a formal handing over ceremony to the acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Akpabio Essien.

    Wunti, who exited 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.

    He said, ‘as s young, hopeful, perhaps a little naive’, employee, stressing that it was there he learnt the fundamental lessons of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

     “It felt both daunting and exhilarating to step into an organisation that held so much promise and carried such tremendous responsibility for Nigeria’s economy. As the years passed, my responsibilities increased, each forward step bringing new challenges and invaluable lessons.”

    At some point, he noted that he headed the market research division at Brass LNG, serving as General Manager of the Efficiency Unit, and then as Senior Technical Advisor to the Group Managing Director, as well as leading a post-COVID upstream revival.

    These, he recalled, took place first at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and later at NUIMS, which he said laid the foundation for a new era of success.

    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.

    Read Also: NNPCL shuts down Port Harcourt refinery for maintenance

     “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.

    He listed some of them as HSE rebranding; the Incident Management Reporting Application Plus (IMRA+), which replaced the limited MySafety application; the Fire Extinguisher Management System (FEMS), and the extensively updated NNPC HSE Policy and Process Guidelines (HPPG).

     “Finally, my fondest memories in NNPC aren’t limited to the corporate successes we achieved. They reside equally in the moments of human connection, interactions with seniors, peers, and young professionals whose bright eyes mirrored my early enthusiasm, in the late-night discussions.

     “These stretched beyond professional boundaries and  evolved into genuine friendships, and in the collective celebrations of individual successes and the attainment of personal milestones. As I clear out my desk and bid my final goodbyes, I do so with a heart overflowing with gratitude, not a heavy one.

     “For everything I have given, I have received more; I am grateful for all the experiences that have refined me and the victories that remind me why we show up every day. My deepest gratitude goes to all my colleagues, leaders and friends that I have had the pleasure of working with. Equally, my love and appreciation for my darling family that have stood by me and given me strength through my journey.

     “Though this office may no longer carry the sound of my footsteps, I hope the imprint of my service lives on; enduring, steady, and true. May the corridors I leave behind be filled with new ideas and continuous applause of success.

     “May the seeds we planted together bloom into a bountiful harvest. This is not goodbye. It is a benediction. A trace in time that says: ‘I was here. I gave my best. And I am grateful.’

    Today, I stand still in reflection in this space that has defined for me decades of purpose, success, challenge, growth, and grace.

     “I pause to allow my gaze to linger in the familiar space. The framed photographs, the memories, the achievements, and the rare setbacks challenged me to rise stronger. These represent more than just professional milestones; they embody moments that have profoundly shaped my journey over the past three decades,” he noted.

    Earlier in the day, before the handover ceremony, Bala welcomed some HSE interns who had come to bid him goodbye

  • I did my best for NNPCL, says Bala Wunti 

    I did my best for NNPCL, says Bala Wunti 

    A former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS), Bala Wunti has said he gave his best to the state -owned oil firm.

    He retired from the national oil company with a formal handing over ceremony to the acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Akpabio Essien.

    Wunti, who exited as Chief HSE Officer, during a farewell event at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday, reminisced on his decades of 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.

    He said: ‘As s young, hopeful, perhaps a little naive’, employee, stressing that it was there he learnt the fundamental lessons of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

    “It felt both daunting and exhilarating to step into an organisation that held so much promise and carried such tremendous responsibility for Nigeria’s economy. As the years passed, my responsibilities increased, each forward step bringing new challenges and invaluable lessons.”

    At some point, he noted that he headed the market research division at Brass LNG, serving as General Manager of the Efficiency Unit, and then as Senior Technical Advisor to the Group Managing Director, as well as leading a post-COVID upstream revival.

    These, he recalled, took place first at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS)  and later at NUIMS, which he said laid the foundation for a new era of success.

    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, multi billion dollar  deep water 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.

    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. 

    Read Also: NNPCL disclaims fake financial scheme

    “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.

  • Investigate Wunti, group tasks EFCC

    Investigate Wunti, group tasks EFCC

    A group, Community Development Committees (CDC), has  called on Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate Bala Wunti over alleged abuse of office, procurement fraud and economic sabotage.

    A statement by Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) CDC, Joseph Ambakederimo, said the oil sector has suffered  due to corruption, abuse of office and economic sabotage. 

     The body alleged the corrupt practices were perpetrated by very senior officials with high level of impunity who to follow the laid procedures in this regard.

    It expressed optimism that   the new management of NNPC  will disinfect and improve Nigeria’s oil  and  gas sectors.  

    The statement urged EFCC to ensure due diligence in the ongoing investigation of some recently sacked top management staff of NNPCL, especially Bala Wunti, the immediate past Group  General Manager of Nigeria Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), the regulator subsidiary managing upstream activities now known as NUIMS. 

    It threatened to seek legal redress to enforce a mandamus should the EFCC fails to act. 

    Read Also; Court orders EFCC to pay certification fee for documents in ex-aviation minister’s ‘trial

    The group’s statement read in part: “It’s common knowledge the Nigeria oil sector has been in a situation that can well be described as been in intensive care due largely to issues ranging from corruption, abuse of office and economic sabotage perpetrated by very senior officials with high level of impunity and disregard to due process”.

     “Before the wise step taken by  President Bola Tinubu , there were fears that Bala Wunti would be made to control the NNPCL as the group Managing Director but to the relief  of many across the sector including many NNPCL staff, and to the benefit of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu for a very longtime in our country history has appointed those with the technical know-how and human conscience to lead the development of our beloved NNPC and we are very confident the new management will disinfect and improve our Oil & Gas sectors”.

     “News making the rounds concerning EFCC’ investigation of some recently sacked top management staff of the NNPCL will not be far reaching if individuals like Bala Wunti, the immediate past Group General Manager of Nigeria Petroleum Investment management services (NAPIMS) the regulator subsidiary managing Upstream activities now known as NUIMS. 

    “This agency could best be described as the backbone of the Nigerian oil industry, where a transparent regulatory and oversight on the international oil companies (IOC’s) will lead to the production of additional millions of barrels from our land and offshore assets”.

     It added: “In August 2022, a well circulated email and newspaper article by Citizen Group of Nigeria raised some troubling information in the form of Whistle blowing listing around over 10 different fraud and abuse of office carried out by Bala Wunti and how due processes and procedure were broken to accommodate Bala Wunti’s interests.”

     “To further corroborate our position in calling for the investigation and prosecution of Bala Wunti and others, we have hereunder summarised the concerns raised by the Whistle Blowers, copies of the original articles/email circulated by the whistle blowers will be submitted to the EFCC to enable them carry out full investigation/prosecution.

     “The whistle blower claimed Bala Wunti was engaged in fraudulently inflating the yearly cash call budgets, the whistle blower called for a forensic investigation of potential financial reporting miss-conduct carried out by Bala Wunti..

     “The whistle blower also raised some concerns about Bala Wunti inflating the cost of crude oil handling charges for every barrel of oil that was barged and included the cost in JV budget of up to $4 per barrel was added to the actual handling cost. 

    ” If all or a single claimed as made by the whistle blowers are accurate, then, the scheme employed by Bala Wunti is one very critical factor that has  driven up the cost of production of a barrel of crude oil in Nigeria and put the country at a disadvantage position amongst the comity of crude oil producing countries.

    “Therefore, the CDC is calling for a full investigation to be carried out on all of the points listed by the whistle blowers to ascertain the claim and the prosecution of offenders will rekindle investors’ hope in the Nigerian oil sector that has suffered stunted growth for the last two decades. 

    “It is almost three years since the concerns were raised by the whistle blowers and questions remain if they have been properly investigated by  EFCC. 

     “Similarly, as a follow up,  to ensure this call is acted upon by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, a formal petition (Class Action) has been filed at the Commissions’ Headquarters. Failure of the EFCC to act on our petition expeditiously, would leave us no option than to seek redress in court to enforce a mandamus..”