Olufemi Soneye has stepped down from his role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). He made the announcement on Saturday via a Facebook post, expressing gratitude to his colleagues for their support over the past 20 months.
“I wish to inform you that I have stepped aside from my role as Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd. This decision will allow me to devote more time to my family and attend to personal responsibilities that now require my closer presence,” he wrote, receiving praise and commendations from followers.
Soneye described his tenure at the national oil company as an “honour,” adding that he was proud to have played a part in its transformation. He pledged to remain a loyal supporter and ambassador of NNPC Ltd and encouraged journalists to continue delivering “robust, balanced, and constructive reportage” in support of the company’s mission.
“It has been a profound honour to serve both the Company and our country, and to contribute in my own way to the ongoing transformation of NNPC Ltd. I am deeply grateful for the trust reposed in me, the opportunities granted, and the incredible professionals I have worked with, both within and outside the organisation,” he wrote.
Appointed on October 18, 2023, Soneye succeeded Garba Muhammad, who had held the position since August 2021.
Before joining NNPC Ltd, Soneye established himself as an accomplished international journalist, working across Nigeria, Australia, and the United States. He was formerly Editor of the US Air Force One Magazine in Washington, D.C., and served as President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners in the U.S. capital.
He is affiliated with several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, and the Guild of Corporate Online Media Publishers.
Soneye was honoured as “Spokesperson of the Year” by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in both 2024 and 2025.