The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says more than 70 percent of eligible staff have expressed interest in its voluntary early retirement programme as part of a major workforce restructuring exercise.
According to officials of the company, the voluntary exit initiative is designed to support NNPC’s ongoing workforce transformation strategy aimed at improving operational efficiency, driving organisational renewal, and creating opportunities for younger professionals within the oil giant.
The programme is structured into two categories: the Accelerated Exit Scheme (AES) and the Voluntary Exit Scheme (VES).
The Accelerated Exit Scheme targets employees who are due for statutory retirement by the end of 2026, specifically those with one year or less remaining in service. The Voluntary Exit Scheme, on the other hand, applies to staff scheduled to retire in 2027, as well as employees on Grade Level SS1 expected to retire between 2028 and 2030.
NNPC officials confirmed that participation in the programme is strictly voluntary, adding that no employee is being forced to exit the organisation. Staff who choose not to participate are expected to continue their duties under existing employment terms.
A senior official was quoted as saying that among those eligible for the scheme, more than 70 percent have already indicated interest in taking early retirement.
The initiative is being driven under the leadership of NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, as part of broader reforms to reposition the company into a more commercially driven and efficient energy organisation.
The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, also clarified that the programme is not a retrenchment exercise but a structured voluntary exit plan. He emphasized that the scheme is designed to provide flexibility and improved exit benefits for qualifying staff.
According to management, the objective is to align workforce composition with NNPC’s long-term strategic goals while ensuring that retiring staff are adequately supported through enhanced exit packages.
Reactions within the organisation have been mixed, with many eligible employees reportedly showing interest in the programme, while some concerns have been raised over job security and the pace of ongoing reforms. However, management has maintained that the initiative is part of a planned transition and not a downsizing exercise.
The development comes amid wider reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, including efforts to improve refinery operations, expand gas infrastructure, and strengthen the company’s commercial performance.
Further internal communication is expected to provide detailed information on benefits, eligibility confirmation, and timelines for implementation of the exit process.
The high level of participation is being viewed as a key indicator of workforce response to NNPC’s restructuring drive as the company pushes toward a leaner operational structure.
