‘Cold War’ Between NAPIMS Boss, Bala Wunti And NNPC Head Honcho, Mele Kyari Rages On

In the midst of conflict, genuine valor is elusive. Loyalty withers, and camaraderie suffers severe damage. It is for this very reason that Bala Wunti and Mele Kyari must safeguard the unique bond that unites them.

Regrettably, a simmering feud between these two Northern brothers casts a troubling shadow. A few months ago, reliable sources revealed a heated confrontation that saw them clashing like frenzied adversaries. Unlike those who engage in petty disputes, these close friends must rise above the temptations that pit comrades against one another. They must maintain their harmonious relationship. As one delves into the intricacies of their roles, the boundaries of authority and influence between Wunti and Kyari are persistently tempted to collide and blur, potentially engulfing both men and their respective offices in a tumultuous vortex.

If those who thrive on mischief have their way, they would manipulate the leaders of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) into a web of suspicion. When the Group Managing Director of NNPC accuses the Managing Director of NAPIMS of insubordination, or when the latter seeks to alert the President to NNPC’s overbearing and opaque operations affecting NAPIMS investments, it perpetuates a historical discord between the heads of these organizations.

To provide context, the value and prosperity of Nigeria’s investments in the oil sector primarily hinge on NAPIMS, which ensures that the country’s interests are safeguarded by effectively overseeing joint venture (JV) and production sharing contracts (PSC) companies, among others. Given the substantial and lucrative portfolio, there’s room for strong-willed stakeholders to assert themselves.

However, all of these past issues faded into obscurity during the tenures of Wunti and Kyari. They operated with an unprecedented level of trust and confidence, frustrating the endeavors of those with hidden agendas in both public agencies.

Yet, despite their best efforts, these troublemakers will never succeed in sowing the seeds of rivalry and distrust between Wunti and Kyari. The bond they share has been described as a healing force for the tainted branches of the public service.