The Man Dr. Bala Wunti
Making Impact
Born and raised in Bauchi, Bala is a purpose-driven philanthropist and seasoned oil and gas expert with nearly three decades of impactful leadership and a life guided by the creed of God, Self, and Parents.
Accomplishments
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
01 – Doma Chemicals in Lagos – 1990
02 – Production Programming Officer – 1994
03 – Head of Market Research – Brass LNG 2004-2010
04 – Assistant Chief Market Research – 1998
05 – General Manager Efficiency Unit
06 – Technical Advisor to the GMD
07 – GGM, Corporate Planning and Strategy
08 – MD, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) – 2019
09 – GGM, National Petroleum Invest. Mgt Services (NAPIMS) – 2020
09 – Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer – 2024
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE
- Post - Covid-19 Revival of the Upstream Oil and Gas Sector
- 1. Provided the Critical Leadership that helped Nigeria navigate the upstream sector through the Covid-19 Pandemic. 2. Coordinated the efforts to reposition upstream operations, ensuring resilience, and investment flow.
- Resolved Multi-Billion Dolar Legacy Dispute for National Value
- These include the arbitration on Deepwater Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and the contentious cost disagreements on the Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) project. Through astute negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and legal insight, he helped bring closure to these complex matters.
- Operation White Strategy for Combating Fuel Smuggling and Corruption
- A transparency and accountability initiative aimed at combating fuel smuggling and corruption within the downstream petroleum sector Led an 89-man inter-agency monitoring task force, towards reducing the quantity of petrol falsely claimed as consumed, Restors integrity to national distribution and import systems by reducing product diversion and revenue losses
- The Kolmani Integrated Oil Development Project
- Nigeria’s first inland oil field development Perhaps one of his most symbolic achievements. Went an extra mile to ensure the resumption of exploration activities in the Kolmani field. Adopted the joint development area framework to promote sustained synergy between Bauchi and Gombe to ensure equitable revenue sharing.
- Nigasification Strategy: Harnessing Natural Gas as Nigeria’s Transition Fuel:
- Aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast gas potential for domestic energy use, industrialization, and export. Anchored on his deep conviction to serve Nigeria’s best long-term interests Championed various gas monetization strategies, delivering additional gas to the domestic market and creating job opportunities.
- Led the NNPC’s Transition to Commercially Viable NNPC Limited
- Helped steer the Corporation through one of the most important structural reforms in the history of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry Required by the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 Significant contributor to the eventual passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law as the PIA.
- Represented Nigeria at the International Stage:
- Represented Nigeria at high-level energy forums, including the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF)
- Driving Operational Efficiency and Security within NNPC:
- As the GGM NAPIMS and later the Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO) of NNPC Upstream Investment Services (NUIMS); spearheaded initiatives that transformed the organization. This included achieving ISO 9001 (2015) and ISO 22301:2019 Develop an Industry-Wide Security Architecture, and establishing a state-of-the-art Command and Control Centre to curb crude theft and sabotage.
- Giving Back through the Wunti Alkhair Foundation:
- Driven by a deep sense of compassion and a desire to uplift those in need. He has touched thousands of lives across Bauchi State and beyond. The Foundation provides educational scholarships, medical assistance, empowerment programs, and community development support for vulnerable groups. Known to support community boreholes, school renovations, and mentor young people.
Be Bold in thoughts and in actions
“Think Wide. Dream Big. Act Bold. Achieve Greatness.”
Be Grateful in All Situations
“Gratitude turns scarcity to abundance, bitterness to happiness and pessimism to optimism”