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 evaluation programme.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, announced the development in a post on the company’s social media platforms, describing the exercise as a major milestone for the national oil company.
According to Ojulari, the newly deployed employees emerged from a rigorous process that involved internships, intensive training and comprehensive 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 noted that the recruitment exercise underscored the company’s commitment to merit-based employment, stressing that appointments were based on competence 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 stated.
The NNPC chief explained that while the offer letters gave the young professionals the opportunity to join the organisation, it was their performance throughout the internship year that earned them permanent deployment.
“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. Fairness,” he said.
Ojulari encouraged the newly deployed employees to contribute innovative ideas, express their opinions freely and take ownership of their professional growth within the organisation.
He also urged them not to forget the journey that brought them into the company and to create opportunities for others when they eventually occupy leadership positions.
“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.
“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,” Ojulari 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 (PIA).
The company had announced plans to recruit new employees in July 2024 under the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, with the successful completion of the internship and training programme culminating in the deployment of the new professionals into the organisation.