By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE ROLE of Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been vacated following the resignation of Mr Femi Soneye, who served in the position for nearly two years.
Confirming his exit in a personal statement on X, Saturday, Soneye cited a need to prioritise family and personal responsibilities as the reason for stepping aside. “This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” he said.
During his 20-month tenure, Soneye oversaw strategic communication efforts amid NNPC Ltd’s ongoing transformation.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the national energy company’s public engagement strategy, describing the period as a “profound honour” and an “opportunity to serve both the company and our country.”
He further extended his appreciation to media professionals across Nigeria, acknowledging their support in projecting the company’s narrative.
“Your role in building a vibrant and effective communications presence for our national energy company has been nothing short of invaluable,” he noted, while encouraging them to sustain “robust, balanced, and constructive reportage” that supports the organisation’s mission.
Appointed on 18 October 2023, Soneye succeeded Mallam Garba Muhammad, who held the role from August 2021.
Before his appointment, Soneye built a distinguished career as an international journalist, with professional stints in Nigeria, Australia, and the United States.
He previously served as Editor of the US Air Force One magazine and led the Nigerian Media Practitioners group in Washington, D.C.
His contributions to strategic communications have earned him accolades, including consecutive “Spokesperson of the Year” awards in 2024 and 2025 from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Soneye affirmed his continued support for the company, pledging to remain a “steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go.”
NNPC Ltd is yet to announce a successor.
