Nigeria, Sept. 8 -- When Andy Odeh was announced recently as the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), it was like a bolt out of the blue. Personally, I didn't see it coming. After spending 26 glorious years at the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), rising to the position of General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, one is tempted to ask: What is Andy looking for at NNPCL?

I am sure you will agree with me that Andy's job is well cut out for him, and he deserves his flowers for his remarkable career success. But what would he do differently as the chief spokesperson of the national oil company?

In a widely circulated article last year, I strongly criticised NNPC...