Nigerian twins defy recruitment fears, secure NNPC jobs

Identical Nigerian twins, Hussaini and Hassan Malami, have secured jobs with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited after overcoming doubts and misconceptions about the company’s recruitment process.

The brothers are members of the NNPC Tigers Class of 2026, with Hussaini joining NNPC Exploration & Production Limited and Hassan joining NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company.

According to a profile by NNPC Limited’s Senior Communications Advisor, Adaobi Oniwinde, Hussaini had always wanted to work with the national oil company and applied when recruitment opened.

He also encouraged his twin brother, Hassan, to apply. Hassan initially hesitated, believing that NNPC recruited only one person from a family and fearing that applying could affect his brother’s chances.

At the time, Hassan was more interested in joining the Nigerian Air Force and was already working in the banking sector.

However, persistent encouragement from his brother eventually convinced him to apply as the deadline approached.

The twins later sat for the computer-based recruitment test on the same day, although at different locations. Hussaini wrote his test in Sokoto, while Hassan took his in Kaduna.

After progressing through interviews and other stages of the recruitment process, both brothers received their employment letters on the same day.

Hussaini said he discovered his offer after midnight and was eager to share the news with his family.

“I opened the email after midnight and wanted to wake everybody up to tell them,” he said.

Hassan said he learnt of his successful application through the family’s WhatsApp group after waking up.

“That’s when the pressure hit me. I was now nervous about the possibility of not being successful once Hussaini shared his news,” he said.

Hassan said his new role had also broadened his understanding of Nigeria’s gas industry, particularly the business of transporting gas to power plants and manufacturing companies.

Although he had initially hoped to pursue a military career, he now sees his role in the energy sector as another avenue for national service. He said he still hopes to explore military service before reaching the age limit in 2030.

Hussaini, meanwhile, said his NNPC appointment had strengthened his desire to contribute to Nigeria’s energy sector. He also expressed interest in becoming a guest lecturer at his former university to share practical industry experience with students.

The brothers identified different NNPC culture transformation pillars that reflected their professional outlook.

Hussaini chose “Enterprise First,” saying, “Giving your best to the company is giving your best to the country.”

Hassan, a civil engineer, identified “Execution Excellence,” explaining that he enjoys seeing projects progress from concept to completion.

The twins urged young Nigerians interested in working with NNPC to ignore rumours about the recruitment process and take advantage of legitimate opportunities.

“You don’t need to know anybody at NNPC. Apply. Take the test and earn your place,” they said.