The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, has officially stepped down from his role, citing the need to focus on personal and family commitments.
Soneye made the announcement in a social media post on Saturday, marking the end of his 20-month tenure at the state-run oil company.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and described his time at NNPCL as both rewarding and impactful.
“I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” Soneye said in his farewell message.
He acknowledged the support received during his time in office and applauded the professionalism of his colleagues within and outside the company.
“It has been a profound honour to serve both the company and our country. I am proud to have contributed to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd,” he noted.
Despite his exit, Soneye
affirmed his continued support for the organization, urging media professionals to remain committed to ethical and impactful journalism.
“I remain a steadfast supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd wherever I go. I encourage you all to continue your robust, balanced, and constructive reportage in support of the company’s mission,” he added.
Soneye was appointed to the role in October 2023, succeeding Garba Muhammad, who took up the position during a management reshuffle in 2021.
Before joining NNPCL, Soneye had a distinguished international media career. He worked across Nigeria, Australia, and the United States, including a tenure as Editor of the US Air Force One Magazine in Washington, D.C. He also served as President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in the U.S. capital.
He is affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Guild of Corporate Online Media Publishers.
In recognition of his work, Soneye was named Spokesperson of the Year by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in both 2024 and 2025.
