By Prosper Mene
Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, has been appointed as Nigeria’s National Representative to OPEC, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) announced on Wednesday.
This makes her a key voice for Nigeria in the global oil organization. NNPC Ltd celebrated the news on X, stating, “Congratulations to Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, on her appointment as Nigeria’s National Representative at OPEC.” In this role, Idris will join OPEC’s Economic Commission Board, helping shape oil production and pricing policies while continuing to lead NNPC Trading.
Idris, an experienced economist, holds degrees from the University of Abuja and the University of Dundee in Scotland.
She has worked in Nigeria’s oil sector for over 20 years, starting at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, then moving to roles at NNPC, including advising Nigeria’s OPEC team and serving as Executive Director before becoming MD in April 2025.
Her new job involves working with Nigeria’s OPEC Governor, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NNPC Ltd, and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to boost Nigeria’s oil industry and align with OPEC’s goals. This comes as Nigeria tackles issues like oil theft and global energy changes.The announcement has sparked excitement online, with many praising Idris as the second woman in this role after former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.
Idris’s appointment is seen as a step toward stronger leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector, as the country works to maintain its role as Africa’s top oil producer.
