Decades Of Impact: Wunti Ends Illustrious Career At NNPCL, Hands Over To Essien
After decades of dedicated service to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Mr. Bala Wunti has formally concluded his remarkable career at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
A farewell and handover ceremony was held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja to mark the end of an era, as he officially passed the baton to Akpabio Essien, the new acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE).
Prior to his HSE role, Wunti was the Chief Upstream Investment Officer at the NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS), where he played a pivotal role in several key reforms and strategic initiatives.
Reflecting on his journey during the farewell, Wunti recalled his early days at the Eleme Petrochemical Complex in Rivers State, describing himself then as “a young, hopeful, perhaps a little naive” employee.
It was there, he said, that he first learnt the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience—principles that would define his decades-long career.
Wunti’s trajectory within NNPC saw him occupy multiple leadership roles, including Head of Market Research at Brass LNG, General Manager of the Efficiency Unit, and Senior Technical Advisor to the Group Managing Director.
Notably, he led the post-COVID upstream revival efforts and spearheaded the operationalisation of several high-impact initiatives.
He said, “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.”
Among his most significant contributions was his leadership in resolving complex industry challenges such as the multibillion-dollar deepwater Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) arbitration, the protracted EGTL cost dispute, and the widely praised ‘Operation White’—a project aimed at curbing the smuggling of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders.
He also led the Kolmani Integrated Oil Development project, which he described as “more than a strategic initiative—it was a collective resolve to serve Nigeria with honour.”
He said, “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.”
A firm advocate for gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel, Wunti was instrumental in formulating the NNPC’s ‘Nigasification strategy’, aligning the company’s operations with global energy transition goals.
Wunti further highlighted his role in the successful transformation of NNPC into NNPC Limited following the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021.
On the international front, he represented Nigeria at key global energy platforms, including the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), contributing to energy diplomacy and global market negotiations.
“In my final months, leading the HSE division allowed me to champion transformative initiatives that enhanced safety and sustainability company-wide,” he said.
Wunti leaves behind a legacy of reform, innovation, and steadfast commitment to national development.
His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in NNPC’s history, but the impact of his work is expected to resonate for years to come.
ENDS
Decades Of Impact: Wunti Ends Illustrious Career At NNPCL, Hands Over To Essien is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
