BALA WUNTI’S LEGACY OF SERVICE

WUMI ILEDARE pays tribute to the oil and gas industry professional and NNPC’s former chief health, safety and environment officer

Today, I pause with reverence to honour a man whose career has left an indelible imprint—not only on Nigeria’s energy landscape but also in the hearts of those privileged to walk beside him: Bala Wunti. This is a man who listened, learned, and led with admirable calm and exceptional ability. He carried himself with a gracious, compassionate spirit—remarkably detribalized and deeply committed to the principle that everyone deserves a seat at the table in a diverse society. He never pandered to one group at the expense of another. His graciousness was rooted in a profound understanding: your right to benefit from a system must never infringe on the rights of others. Bala embodied this principle, consistently choosing to do what was right—never from a transactional mindset, but from conviction.

For over three decades, Bala stood as a symbol of purpose, excellence, and resilience within NNPC. His journey—from those early days at the Eleme Petrochemical Complex, marked by youthful enthusiasm, to his final days in the Group HSE Division—was one of unwavering dedication and quiet impact. He often spoke of how the corridors of NNPC shaped him. But it must equally be said: he profoundly shaped them in return. As is often the case, those who refuse to personalize power are seldom celebrated. Yet Bala Wunti deliberately chose not to personalize authority. He championed institutional integrity and collective decision-making.

Whether reviving upstream operations post-COVID at NAPIMS and NUIMS, automating systems at PPMC, building strategy at Brass LNG, or serving as a trusted advisor at the highest levels of corporate leadership, Bala brought to every role a fierce intellect, grounded judgment, and a deep commitment to national progress. His contributions were not just technical—they were transformative. The resolution of multibillion-dollar PSCs, the execution of Operation White to curb petroleum smuggling, and his leadership on the Kolmani Integrated Development Project stand as testaments to what vision, clarity, and courageous leadership can achieve.

But Bala’s career was never just about projects—it was about purpose. His advocacy for gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel and his tireless push for sustainable policy reform were grounded in a conviction to do what is right—for our country, for our industry, and for future generations. And he took that message beyond our borders. At international forums, especially OPEC, Bala carried Nigeria’s voice with distinction—engaging global leaders as an articulate ambassador of our energy vision.

His final chapter, leading Health, Safety, and Environment at NNPC, was a fitting culmination of a career defined by foresight and integrity. Under his leadership, projects like IMRA+, FEMS, the rebranding of HSE, and the revised HSE guidelines were not just technical frameworks—they were legacies of care, protection, and long-term value. Yet beyond all the accolades and institutional achievements, what we remember most is Bala the man. The mentor. The colleague. The friend. He made time for others. He believed in people. He inspired with quiet strength, led with deep humility, and uplifted everyone who had the honour of working with him. His office may now fall silent, but the values he lived by—integrity, excellence, and sustainability—will continue to echo through our halls.

In his own words: “Though this office may no longer carry the sound of my footsteps, I hope the imprint of my service lives on—enduring, steady, and true.”

Indeed, Bala, it does. Your imprint lives on in the systems you built, the policies you shaped, the people you mentored, and the legacy we remain proud to carry forward. This is not goodbye—it is a heartfelt salute. You were here. You gave us your best. And for that, quite a lot of us professionals are grateful.

Wumi Iledare, Professor Emeritus, Energy Studies, Louisiana State University, United States