Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, Maryamu Idris, has been appointed as Nigeria’s National Representative to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), making her the second woman to hold the position after former petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) confirmed the appointment in a statement on Thursday, congratulating Idris for her elevation. She will continue as head of NNPC Trading while also serving on OPEC’s Economic Commission Board (ECB), where she is expected to contribute to critical technical deliberations and policy recommendations shaping global energy strategies.
In her new role, Idris will work closely with Nigeria’s OPEC Governor, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the NNPC to safeguard the country’s interests within the oil cartel.
Idris, who holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Abuja and an M.Sc. in Energy Economics from the University of Dundee, Scotland, brings over two decades of experience in the oil and gas sector. She began her career at the Bureau of Public Enterprises in 1999 before moving to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). She later joined NNPC, where she rose through various roles in the Crude Oil Marketing Division and NNPC Trading.
Before becoming Managing Director of NNPC Trading in April 2025, she had served as Executive Director of Crude and Condensate (2022–2024) and Executive Director of Planning and Commercial (2024–2025).
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria looks to strengthen its engagement with OPEC and align domestic oil production with the organisation’s quota system.
Alison-Madueke, who paved the way as Nigeria’s first female national representative, also made history as OPEC President in 2014.
Ayo Sogbuyi is a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, he is a passionate advocate for press freedom and ethical reporting. Throughout his career, he has covered significant global events and championed the role of journalism in holding power to account.