Olufemi Soneye has officially stepped down as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), ending his tenure after 20 months in office.
Soneye announced his resignation in a Facebook post on Saturday, where he expressed gratitude to colleagues and associates for their support throughout his time with the company.
“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd,” he stated.
He explained that the decision was personal and aimed at allowing him more time with his family while also attending to pressing personal responsibilities.
“This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” he added.
Reflecting on his experience, Soneye described his time at NNPCL as a privilege, saying he was proud to have played a part in the ongoing transformation of the national oil company. He also pledged his continued support as an ambassador of the firm.
“It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country, and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd. I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go,” he wrote.
Soneye urged media professionals to maintain robust, balanced and constructive coverage that will help sustain the NNPCL’s mission in the country’s energy sector.
Appointed on October 18, 2023, Soneye took over from Garba Muhammad, who was named spokesperson in August 2021 during a major management reshuffle.
Before joining NNPCL, Soneye built an impressive career in journalism across Nigeria, Australia and the United States. He served as Editor of the US Air Force One Magazine in Washington, D.C., and once led the Nigerian Media Practitioners group in the U.S. capital.
A well-respected media professional, he belongs to several associations including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists and the Guild of Corporate Online Media Publishers. He was named “Spokesperson of the Year” by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in 2025, following a similar award in 2024.
