The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has commenced an early retirement programme for some categories of employees as part of efforts to reposition its workforce and improve operational efficiency.
The initiative, which is structured under the Accelerated Exit Scheme and the Voluntary Exit Scheme, is said to be attracting strong interest from eligible employees.
According to The PUNCH, officials of the national oil company said more than 70 per cent of workers who qualify for the scheme had already indicated willingness to participate in the voluntary exit arrangement.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, insisted that no employee was being forced to leave the organisation.
According to company officials, the Accelerated Exit Scheme targets employees with up to one year left before retirement in 2026.
The Voluntary Exit Scheme, on the other hand, covers staff due for statutory retirement in 2027, as well as employees on SS1 grade with about two to five years left before retirement between 2028 and 2030.
The NNPC said the programme was designed to manage workforce transition responsibly, support organisational renewal and create space for younger professionals.
The clarification came amid concerns in some quarters over the purpose of the initiative and speculation that some workers might be under pressure to leave the company.
Last month, an internal communication from the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bashir Ojulari, to staff explained that the scheme formed part of a wider organisational restructuring currently taking place in the company.
“Over the past year, we began an important recalibration of our organisation as part of our broader transformation,” Ojulari said.
“As we build momentum on this journey, it is essential that our workforce continues to evolve in line with the future we are building.”
Ojulari further explained that the AES targets employees due for retirement by 2026, while the VES covers workers scheduled for retirement in 2027 and SS1 employees expected to retire between 2028 and 2030.
“These programmes form part of our deliberate efforts to responsibly manage workforce transitions while creating the right conditions for organisational renewal and long-term sustainability,” he noted.
70% Indicate Interest
Providing details on the level of acceptance among eligible staff, one of the officials said initial feedback showed that the scheme had been widely accepted.
The official said more than 70 per cent of those qualified for the programme had already shown interest in early retirement.
“As of today, among those who qualify for this scheme and those within that space, what we have seen is that more than 70 per cent of persons who are eligible have indicated interest in taking early retirement,” the official disclosed.
“So, if you have 70 per cent who have indicated interest, as I speak to you, it means many people just want to go and do something different with their lives. If we were having 15 per cent or less, you can say people do not want to leave. But the scheme is currently a success.”
The source dismissed claims that the scheme was designed to push out certain employees.
“It is not about individuals being targeted. It is not about individuals at all, but a scheme. It is also not the first time it is happening in NNPC. Some organisations do it every three years,” the official said.
“If you do not want to go, it is fine. This scheme has been rolled out for people to take advantage of. It is mutually beneficial to the business and individuals.”
NNPC Eyes Younger Workforce
The officials said the retirement programme would help the company create opportunities for younger employees and fresh professionals to grow within the organisation.
One of the sources recalled that NNPC recruited more than 1,000 employees last year, adding that the exit scheme would help open up more room for career progression and specialised recruitment.
“For the organisation, it opens up space to bring in younger people to take up roles. Recall that last year, the company employed over 1,000 persons who are now in the system,” the official said.
“So, it helps people who want to take early retirement to do so and take up something different with their lives.”
The official added that the programme would also allow the company to bring in experienced hires where necessary.
“For the organisation, it just opens up space to bring in younger people and, in other cases, experienced hires, but in most cases, younger people, and ventilate the system in a positive manner,” the source added.
Naija News reports that the NNPC has been undergoing major reforms since its transition into a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The company has said its transformation agenda is aimed at improving operational efficiency, strengthening capacity, attracting new talent and positioning it to compete with global energy companies.
