Buhari removes Kachikwu as NNPC GMD, appoints Baru

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the appointment of Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru as the new Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The appointment was contained in a statement by the President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

With the latest appointment, Baru replaces Dr. Ibe Kachikwu who has been doubling as the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and GMD, NNPC.

Buhari also approved the composition of the Board of the NNPC as provided for under Section 1(2) of the corporation Act of 1997, as amended.

The new board has Kachikwu as its chairman, while the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, is also a member.

Apart from Kachikwu, Baru and Kyari, other members of the board are the Permanent Secretary of the  Ministry of Finance; Dr. Thomas M.A John; Dr. Pius O. Akinyelure; Dr. Tajuddeen Umar; Mallam Mohammed Lawal, and Mallam Yusuf Lawal.

According to the statement,  Buhari urged the new board to ensure the successful delivery of the mandate of the NNPC, 'and serve the nation by upholding the public trust placed on them in managing this critical national asset.'