RismadarVoice Reporters
August 10, 2026
Identical Nigerian twins, Hussaini and Hassan Malami, have secured employment with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as members of the NNPC Tigers Class of 2026, overcoming different doubts and career preferences before eventually joining the energy giant.
Their story was contained in a profile by the Senior Communications Advisor, NNPC Limited, Adaobi Oniwinde, published on Monday.
Hussaini, who had long aspired to work with NNPC, applied when the company opened its recruitment process and encouraged his twin brother, Hassan, to submit an application as well.
Hassan, however, initially hesitated because he believed NNPC recruited only one person from a family. He was concerned that applying might affect his brother’s chances of securing employment.
At the time, Hassan was also more interested in joining the Nigerian Air Force and had already secured employment in the banking sector.
However, following persistent encouragement from Hussaini and with the application deadline approaching, Hassan eventually decided to apply.
The brothers later sat for the computer-based recruitment test on the same day, although at different locations. Hussaini took the test in Sokoto, while Hassan sat for 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 employment offer shortly 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, however, learnt about his successful application through the family WhatsApp group when he woke 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.
Both brothers eventually secured positions within the NNPC Group, with Hussaini joining NNPC Exploration & Production Limited and Hassan joining NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company.
For Hassan, the new position has introduced him to aspects of Nigeria’s gas industry that he previously knew little about.
“I didn’t know there was a whole business dedicated to transporting gas,” he 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 Hassan initially preferred a career in the military, he now views his role in the energy industry as another avenue for national service.
He said he still hoped to explore military service before reaching the age limit in 2030.
For Hussaini, his new position has strengthened his interest in contributing to the development of Nigeria’s energy sector.
He also expressed plans to become a guest lecturer at his university in the future, saying he hoped to pass on practical industry knowledge to 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.”
The twins also identified different NNPC culture transformation pillars that best reflected their individual approaches to work.
Hussaini selected Enterprise First, explaining that putting the company’s interests first ultimately contributes to national development.
“Giving your best to the company is giving your best to the country,” he said.
Hassan, a civil engineer, chose Execution Excellence, saying he was motivated by the process of turning ideas into completed projects.
“I’m a civil engineer. I like seeing things come to life from concept to completion,” he said.
The brothers encouraged young Nigerians interested in working with NNPC to disregard rumours about the company’s recruitment process and take advantage of legitimate opportunities when they arise.
“You don’t need to know anybody at NNPC. Apply. Take the test and earn your place,” they said.
