Bala Wunti Exits Oil Sector with Emotional Handing Over.

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi

Bala Wunti Exits Oil Sector with Emotional Handing Over.

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi 

Mr. Bala mai Jama'a Wunti, has exited the National oil and Gas sector after meritorious service to the nation

The official handing over ceremony took place on Friday at the NNPCL Towers Abuja to the acting Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), Akpabio Essien.

The former boss of the Upstream Investment Services a subsidiary of the NNPCL (NUIMS), Bala Wunti retired as Chief HSE Officer, during a farewell event at the NNPCL Towers in Abuja on Friday, reminisced on his decades-long service at the NNPCL, maintaining that he did his best for the oil sector in the country 

Wunti, in an emotional ceremony, recalled his early days at the Eleme Petrochemical Complex, Rivers state, ‘As a young, hopeful, stressing that it was there he learnt the fundamental lessons of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

He added that all these formed chapters in the story of his commitment to the progress of the company, guided by its core values of integrity, resilient and sustainability development in the sector 

Bala Wunti was part of 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.

He was at the fore front leading the vital Kolmani Integrated Oil Exploration 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,” he maintained 

However, he mentioned his several advocacies, such as the one for gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel, under the NNPCL ‘Nigasification strategy’, for which he led its formulation. 

According to him, it was not just about policy, but also about passion, a heartfelt conviction to do what is right and what is best. “Seeing such efforts materialise through changes to national policy has been immensely rewarding,” he emphasised.

Furthermore, Wunti pointed out that he had the honour of leading the NNPC team in successfully transitioning the NNPC into NNPC Limited as part of the implementation of the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA

Furthermore, he noted that, to improve transparency, accountability, and commercial viability, positioning NNPC as a dynamic global energy company of choice, having earlier contributed significantly to the eventual passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law as the PIA in 2021, following a 20-year delay. 

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. 

With the support of our GCEO, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, the GCOO, Mr. Roland Ewubare, the CFO, Mr. Adedapo Segun and the rest of the Senior Management Team, my HSE team has successfully delivered key projects that I bequeath as my legacy to NNPC HSE,”. he conclude