Identical twin brothers, Hussaini and Hassan Malami, have beaten the odds to secure jobs with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, emerging among members of the NNPC Tigers Class of 2026.
Their success has also put to rest the belief that NNPC does not recruit more than one person from the same family.
While Hussaini had always dreamed of working with NNPC and promptly applied when recruitment opened, his twin brother, Hassan, was initially hesitant.
Hassan believed the corporation recruited only one person from each family and did not want to stand in the way of his brother’s ambition. At the time, his goal was to join the Nigerian Air Force, having already worked in the banking sector.
His hesitation was further fuelled by the unsuccessful applications of three older siblings — a lawyer, an engineer and a business administrator — who had previously sought employment with NNPC.
However, after persistent encouragement from Hussaini, Hassan eventually submitted his application shortly before the deadline.
The twins took the computer-based test on the same day but at different locations, with Hussaini writing his in Sokoto and Hassan in Kaduna.
After completing the recruitment process, including interviews, both brothers received their employment letters on the same day.
“I opened the email after midnight and wanted to wake everybody up to tell them,” Hussaini laughed.
Hassan, meanwhile, discovered the good news after waking up and seeing it on the family WhatsApp group.
But Hussaini’s success initially made Hassan anxious about his own chances.
“I was now nervous about the possibility of not being successful once Hussaini shared his news.”
The anxiety eventually gave way to celebration as both brothers secured positions within the corporation.
Hussaini is now with NNPC Exploration & Production Limited (NNPC E&P Limited), while Hassan works with NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC).
For Hassan, the new job has opened his eyes to the depth of Nigeria’s gas industry and given him a fresh perspective on the sector.
“I didn’t know there was a whole business dedicated to transporting gas,” Hassan said. “Now I’ve seen how gas powers plants and manufacturing companies…Hearing that gas is the future is one thing. Seeing how it is happening is another.”
Although he once had little interest in a corporate career, Hassan now sees his role at NNPC as another avenue through which he can serve Nigeria.
He still hopes to pursue his military ambition before reaching the age limit in 2030.
Hussaini, on his part, said his experience at NNPC has reinforced his desire to contribute to society. He also hopes to return to his university someday as a guest lecturer and share practical knowledge with students.
“When I was in university, I only had one lecturer with field experience,” he said. “I want to share practical experience with students someday.”
When asked which NNPC culture transformation pillar best represents his mindset, Hussaini chose Enterprise First.
He explained his choice by saying that “giving your best to the company is giving your best to the country.”
Hassan selected Execution Excellence, drawing from his background as a civil engineer.
“I’m a civil engineer…I like seeing things come to life from concept to completion.”
The twins also urged young Nigerians interested in working with NNPC not to be discouraged by rumours about the recruitment process.
“Ignore the rumours. You don’t need to know anybody at NNPC. Apply. Take the test and earn your place.”
