The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has deployed over 1,000 young professionals into its workforce after a one-year internship, intensive training and evaluation programme.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this in a post on its social media handles, 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 included internships, training and performance assessment.

“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 reflected the company’s commitment to merit-based employment 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 boss added that while offer letters secured entry into the organisation, the employees’ performance during the internship year 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 new employees to contribute ideas, speak up, and take responsibility for their professional growth within the company.

He also urged them to remember the process that led to their deployment and to create opportunities for others in the future.

“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 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.

NNPC announced its decision to employ new workers in July 2024 under the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari. (The PUNCH)

Update news