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Tag: NNPCL

  • ‘Ojulari, Kida will turn NNPCL into profitable venture’

    ‘Ojulari, Kida will turn NNPCL into profitable venture’

    A member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr Abdullahi Hashim, has lauded President Bola Tibubu’s appointments of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr Bayo Ojulari and the Non-Executive Chairman of the company’s Board, Engr Ahmadu Kida.

    He added that Tinubu’s appointments of Ojulari, Kida and other members of the board were a step in the right direction.

    He said the duo, who are engineers with high distinction, now have the opportunity to transform the national firm into a profitable venture.

    Read Also: NNPCL: Time for a new direction

    Hashim, who is also an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard University and a member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), stated this during an interview with journalists in Abuja.

    He further commended Tinubu for ensuring that individuals with vast engineering, technical and leadership experience would manage the NNPCL affairs.

  • AKK 72 per cent completed, says NNPCL boss

    AKK 72 per cent completed, says NNPCL boss

    • 10 NUPRC awardees begin production

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) yesterday said the implementation of the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano (AKK) gas pipeline was 72 per cent completed at First Quarter 2025 (Q1 2025).

    He said NNPCL also planned integration of green hydrogen feasibility studies into long-term strategy.

    Its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Bayo Ojulari made this known at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF 2025) in Abuja.

    He said in pursuant of the attainment of the net zero emissions by 2060, the state-owned oil firm has initiated several gas-led transition programs.

    According to him, the programs include the expansion of its autogas and targeting over one million vehicles by 2026.

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    Represented by the NNPCL Executive Vice President Upstream, Udobong Ntia, Ojulari said: “In alignment with Nigeria’s energy transition plan, which seeks to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, NNPC Limited has initiated several gas-led transition programs, including the expansion of our autogas program, targeting over 1 million vehicles through 2026, the completion of critical backbone infrastructure such as the AKK pipeline, which is about 72per cent complete as we speak, first quarter 2025, and also the planned integration of green hydrogen feasibility studies into long-term strategy.”

    He stressed that energy security for over 200 million Nigerians is non-negotiable.

    He revealed that NNPC Limited as an energy company plays a key role in the power sector, contributing about 1,500megawatt (Mw) of installed power capacity to the country with one 1,000Mw of IPP JV phases one and two, 650 megawatts of firm JV, and 50 megawatts made of emergency power plants.

    The theme of the lecture was “Driving Energy Sustainability Through Technology, Policy, and Supply Chain Excellence.”

    Ojulari said the theme was very timely and compelling addressed the current and emerging realities of the industry.

    Alluding to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook, the Publishers Outlook, he said annually, global energy demand is projected to grow by over 25 percent through 2040, driven largely by industrialization in Asia and, of course, the fast-growing population in Africa.

    African youth, according to him, are estimated to grow into about 800 million people, just the youth alone in Africa.

    He said in Africa, over 600 million people remain without access to electricity, a statistic that reflects both a development deficit and a glaring opportunity for energy inclusion.

    Speaking virtually, the SPE Nigeria Council, Chairman, Engr. Amina Dalnmadami recalled that since 1991, OLEF has stood as a symbol of dialogue, innovation, and policy engagement in Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape.

    She said it commemorates the first commercial discovery of oil in Nigeria in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State—an event that forever changed the trajectory of the nation’s economic history.

     OLEF, she said, continues to serve as a convergence point for stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to reflect, project, and act.

    The chairman said while this year’s global conversation may lean heavily toward renewables, “we know that oil and gas will remain central to Nigeria’s economic stability, energy security, and industrial growth for decades to come.

    “The path to sustainability in our context is not one of displacement, but one of optimization—leveraging technology to drive efficiency, tightening our supply chains, and creating enabling policies to enhance sector resilience,” Dalnmadami said.

    In his sponsor’s remarks, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu said since 2015, the Fund has remained a consistent supporter of the OLEF, recognizing its strategic value as a platform for policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and forward-thinking discourse on energy development in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    He said the annual lecture series, commemorating the historic 1956 oil discovery at Oloibiri, represents more than a celebration of Nigeria’s petroleum legacy.

    He added that it reflects the country’s collective aspirations for sustainable energy growth through innovation, strategic partnerships, and capacity building.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said the Commission is driving several other initiatives but the  one that is major and that is key to the Commission now is NUPRC’s Project 1 Million Barrels Incrementer Initiative.

    He was optimistic that the initiative was realizable with the stakeholders’ cooperation.

    Commissioner Enorense Amadasu, who represented him, said the Project 1 Million Barrels of Oil Party Initiative is an industry collaborative undertaking involving producers, service providers, financiers, and other key stakeholders for incremental 1 million barrels per day production by 2026.

    On 2024 bid round and potential 2025 bid round, he said in pursuit of the goal to reach 4 million barrels of oil and 220 trillion cubic feet of gas, NUPRC has vigorously pursued strategies to enhance exploratory activities and accelerate development.

    He said: “As part of these efforts, the Commission completed the 2024 bid licensing round with the award of 70 offshore petroleum prosperity licenses, BPS, and 70 additional offshore and offshore blocks.

    “We are also preparing for the 2025 bid round as we implement the drill or drop philosophy in line again with the PIA and follow FIT’s administration mechanism of the PIA.”

    On Petroleum Processing License (PPL) awardee, he revealed that 10 of the awardees are now in production.

     “I think about more than 10 of them are now in production. I think that’s a huge one for the country,” he said.

    Speaking, the former Minister of Petroleum, Don Etiebet warned against issuing licenses for petroleum production to people or companies without capacity to drill the rigs.

    He advised that succession into the indigenous firm’s leadership should not be a family affair.

  • NNPCL: Time for a new direction

    NNPCL: Time for a new direction

    • By Chris Adesola Samakinde

    Sir: The transformation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) into NNPC Limited—with a strengthened corporate governance framework—marks a significant milestone in its evolution towards transparency and profitability. This reform aligns NNPC with global best practices observed in national oil companies such as Saudi Aramco and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which have long embraced commercial models to enhance operational efficiency and accountability.

    Historically, NNPC has been slow to capitalize on regional exploration opportunities, especially in West Africa’s coastal basins from Ghana to Senegal. Independent firms from outside the continent have led exploration and recorded substantial hydrocarbon findings in this region. This missed opportunity underscores a broader strategic gap: NNPC’s focus has remained on joint ventures with international oil companies, often at the expense of building its own risk-bearing and revenue-generating assets.

    With nearly five decades of exploration and production experience, NNPC is well-positioned to pivot toward more autonomous and ambitious ventures—particularly in the realm of unconventional hydrocarbons.

    The recent appointment of Bayo Ojulari, a former private sector executive, to lead NNPC presents a unique opportunity for a strategic shift. Under his leadership, NNPC can expand its energy portfolio, enhance national energy security, and enter new frontiers such as unconventional hydrocarbon resources—a timely and necessary move amid declining conventional reserves and evolving global energy dynamics.

    Globally, conventional oil reserves are estimated at around 1.7 trillion barrels, with Nigeria holding approximately 37 billion barrels (2.25% of global reserves). The country also ranks ninth worldwide in natural gas reserves, with an estimated 209 trillion cubic feet. However, after decades of conventional exploration, Nigeria faces the challenges of a maturing hydrocarbon landscape—new significant discoveries are becoming increasingly rare and expensive.

    To maintain energy security, attention must shift to unconventional resources such as coalbed methane (CBM) in Enugu and oil/gas shale in the Benue trough. Nigeria’s inland basins, including the Anambra and Chad basins, show promise, but the lower Benue trough—particularly the Ezeaku Shale—presents a compelling case for investment. In the United States, the Permian Basin’s Wolfcamp formation has revolutionized energy output through hydraulic fracturing, now contributing around 17% to U.S. natural gas production. Nigeria can follow a similar path with the right technological and financial investments.

    Globally significant geological events such as the Turonian anoxic event (93–89 million years ago) have led to the preservation of organic-rich shale formations. In Nigeria’s lower Benue Trough, this event is believed to have contributed to the organic content of the Ezeaku Shale within the Nkalagu Formation.

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    According to research by Ekweozor and Unomah (1990), the Ezeaku Shale contains Type II-III kerogen, indicating potential for both oil and gas generation. Although scientific characterization of these formations is limited compared to mature plays like the U.S. Wolfcamp or South Africa’s Karoo Basin, the geologic fundamentals are promising. Unlocking this potential would require dedicated exploration campaigns, modern drilling techniques, and regulatory support.

    Natural gas plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy mix, accounting for approximately 79% of power generation as of 2023. Expanding into unconventional gas resources supports the country’s National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP), which aims to increase the domestic supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative transportation fuel.

    A successful unconventional gas campaign—particularly targeting the Ezeaku Shale—would boost domestic gas supply, support industrial demand, and reduce energy poverty. It also aligns with broader sustainability and transition goals, especially in light of global pressure to decarbonize while maintaining energy access.

    To actualize this vision, coordinated action is needed between NNPC Ltd and Nigeria’s upstream regulator, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). NNPC should establish a dedicated unit to explore unconventional resource, while NUPRC can facilitate investor interest through targeted licensing rounds and supportive regulation.

    Learning from the U.S. shale boom, Nigeria must prioritize horizontal drilling technologies, develop fiscal incentives, and streamline environmental assessments to encourage exploration in this untapped frontier. The shale revolution has transformed the U.S. economy—Nigeria has the opportunity to replicate this success with the right policies and partnerships.

    •Chris Adesola Samakinde, PhD,

     adesola.samakinde@gmail.com

  • AKK 72% completed, says NNPCL boss Ojulari

    AKK 72% completed, says NNPCL boss Ojulari

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Thursday said the implementation of the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano (AKK) gas pipeline was 72 per cent completed at First Quarter 2025 (Q1 2025).

    He said NNPCL also has the planned integration of green hydrogen feasibility studies into long-term strategy. 

    Its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Bayo Ojulari made this known at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (SPE OLEF 2025) in Abuja.

    He said in pursuant of the attainment of the net zero emissions by 2060, the state-owned oil firm has initiated several gas-led transition programs.

    According to him, the programs include the expansion of its autogas and targeting over one million vehicles by 2026.

    The NNPCL Executive Vice President Upstream, Engr Udobong Ntia, who represented him said, “In alignment with Nigeria’s energy transition plan, which seeks to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, NNPC Limited has initiated several gas-led transition programs, including the expansion of our autogas program, targeting over 1 million vehicles through 2026, the completion of critical backbone infrastructure such as the AKK pipeline, which is about 72% complete as we speak, first quarter 2025, and also the planned integration of green hydrogen feasibility studies into long-term strategy.”

    He stressed that energy security for over 200 million Nigerians is non-negotiable.

    He revealed that NNPC Limited as an energy company plays a key role in the power sector, contributing about 1,500MW of installed power capacity to the country with one 1,000MW of IPP JV phases one and two, 650 megawatts of firm JV, and 50 megawatts made of emergency power plants. 

    The theme of the lecture was “Driving Energy Sustainability Through Technology, Policy, and Supply Chain Excellence.”

    Ojulari said the theme was very timely and compelling addressed the current and emerging realities of the industry.

    Alluding to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook, the Publishers Outlook, he said annually, global energy demand is projected to grow by over 25 percent through 2040, driven largely by industrialisation in Asia and, of course, the fast-growing population in Africa.

    African youth, according to him, are estimated to grow into about 800 million people, just the youth alone in Africa. 

    He said in Africa, over 600 million people remain without access to electricity, a statistic that reflects both a development deficit and a glaring opportunity for energy inclusion.

    Speaking virtually, the SPE Nigeria Council, Chairman, Engr. Amina Dalnmadami recalled that since 1991, OLEF has stood as a symbol of dialogue, innovation, and policy engagement in Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape. 

    She said it commemorates the first commercial discovery of oil in Nigeria in 

    Oloibiri, Bayelsa State—an event that forever changed the trajectory of the nation’s economic history.

     OLEF, she said, continues to serve as a convergence point for stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to reflect, project, and act.

    The chairman said while this year’s global conversation may lean heavily toward renewables, “we know that oil and gas will remain central to 

    Nigeria’s economic stability, energy security, and industrial growth for decades to come. 

    “The path to sustainability in our context is not one of displacement, but one of optimization—leveraging technology to drive efficiency, tightening our supply chains, and creating enabling policies to enhance sector resilience.”

    In his sponsor’s remarks, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Executive Secretary, Ahmed Galadima Aminu said since 2015, the Fund has remained a consistent supporter of the OLEF, recognising its strategic value as a platform for policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and forward-thinking discourse on energy development in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

    He said the annual lecture series, commemorating the historic 1956 oil discovery at Oloibiri, represents more than a celebration of Nigeria’s petroleum legacy.

    He added that it reflects the country’s collective aspirations for sustainable energy growth through innovation, strategic partnerships, and capacity building.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said the Commission is driving several other initiatives but the one that is major and that is key to the Commission now is NUPRC’s Project 1 Million Barrels Incrementer Initiative.

    He was optimistic that the initiative was realizable with the stakeholders’ cooperation.

    Commissioner Enorense Amadasu, who represented him, said the Project 1 Million Barrels of Oil Party Initiative is an industry collaborative undertaking involving producers, service providers, financiers, and other key stakeholders for incremental 1 million barrels per day production by 2026.

    On 2024 bid round and potential 2025 bid round, he said in pursuit of the goal to reach 4 million barrels of oil and 220 trillion cubic feet of gas, NUPRC has vigorously pursued strategies to enhance exploratory activities and accelerate development.

    Read Also: NNPCL: A necessary reset to rescue Nigeria’s oil industry

    He added: “As part of these efforts, the Commission completed the 2024 bid licensing round with the award of 70 offshore petroleum prosperity licenses, BPS, and 70 additional offshore and offshore blocks.

    “We are also preparing for the 2025 bid round as we implement the drill or drop philosophy in line again with the PIA and follow FIT’s administration mechanism of the PIA.”

    On Petroleum Processing License (PPL) awardee, he revealed that 10 of the awardees are now in production.

    “I think about more than 10 of them are now in production. I think that’s a huge one for the country,” he said.

    Speaking, the former Minister of Petroleum, Don Etiebet warned against issuing licenses for petroleum production to people or companies without capacity to drill the rigs.

    He advised that succession into the indigenous firms leadership should not be a family affair.

  • CNPP hails NNPCL’s new management for restoring Naira-for-crude initiative

    CNPP hails NNPCL’s new management for restoring Naira-for-crude initiative

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) on Thursday commended the new management team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for their proactive decision to restore the suspended naira-for-crude initiative for local refineries.

    CNPP said this initiative, which aligns with the presidential directive approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), represents a bold and transformative step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s oil sector and ensuring the availability of refined petroleum products for domestic consumption.

    A statement issued by CNPP Deputy National Publicity Secretary Comrade James Ezema said: “The naira-for-crude initiative is a groundbreaking policy designed to empower local refineries by providing them with direct access to crude oil in exchange for naira payments. This approach not only reduces dependency on foreign exchange but also strengthens local refining capacity, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and ensuring energy security for the nation. By prioritizing local refineries, this initiative has the potential to lower the cost of petroleum products for Nigerians and enhance the overall stability of the oil sector.

    “A lower pump price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, will lead to a significant reduction in transportation costs for goods and services, ultimately lowering food prices and easing the financial burden on the masses.

    “However, the CNPP strongly condemns the actions of the immediate past management of NNPCL, led by the sacked Engr. Mele Kyari, for allegedly sabotaging this critical presidential directive. Reports indicate that instead of implementing the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the past leadership attempted to renegotiate the initiative, thereby undermining Nigeria’s economic interests. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a betrayal of public trust.

    Read Also: NNPCL: A necessary reset to rescue Nigeria’s oil industry

    “In light of these allegations, the CNPP calls for a thorough investigation into the tenure of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL. We demand the arrest and trial of all individuals involved in the attempt to renegotiate the naira-for-crude initiative, as their actions amount to economic sabotage and an attempt to derail the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Accountability is essential to restore public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources.

    “Furthermore, the CNPP urges the Federal Government to introduce additional measures to support local refineries. We propose that, in addition to the naira-for-crude policy, the government should provide discounted prices on crude oil for all local refineries as an incentive for no less than two years. This policy would enable stability in the oil-refining business, encourage investment in the sector, and ensure the sustainability of the naira-for-crude initiative. By offering such incentives, the Federal Government can foster a competitive and thriving oil refining industry that benefits all Nigerians.

    “For refineries exporting refined products, a commensurate export levy can be imposed on all locally refined petroleum products for export during the period of these incentives, as Nigeria cannot afford to subsidize products for foreign countries.”

    The CNPP reiterated its commitment to advocate for transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize the welfare of the Nigerian people, adding that: “We stand firmly in support of the new NNPCL management in their efforts to implement reforms that will transform the oil sector, drive national development, and reduce poverty across the country.”

  • Imperative of paradigm shift

    Imperative of paradigm shift

    • Shake-up at NNPCL promises a new dawn

    When the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was signed into law in 2021, it elicited so much hope that better life had come for a sector that has been the cash cow of the economy for decades. However, in the past couple of years, we witnessed some transitional steps towards transparency and efficiency.

    But, the dissolution of the Mele Kyari management team and its replacement by people touted as the best in the land has restored hope of better days ahead. Since the announcement of a new board led by Mr. Bayo Ojulari as group chief executive, supported by Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman, professionals at home and abroad have been full of praise for President Bola Tinubu, with many of them describing the move as a masterstroke.

    Mr. Ojulari who hails from Kwara State had worked in some of the major oil multinationals at home and abroad. He was at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company ((SNEPCO) as Managing Director of Nigeria Operations. He had also worked for the company in Europe and the Middle East, and is thereby exposed to the international best practice.

    Before then, he was at ELF. Many believe that his acceptance of the challenge of running the NNPCL must have been driven by patriotic zeal of making an impact rather than pecuniary consideration.

    The new chairman, too, is a thoroughbred professional. An engineering graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Mr. Kida also worked at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and Total Exploration and Production where he attained the position of deputy managing director.

    As many Nigerians have said, we hope that the new team of directors and management would not brook any political interference that has been the bane of institutional efficiency in NNPCL. The new group chief executive should know that all eyes are on him and his reputation is at stake. It is time for Ojulari and his team to put into practice all that they have learnt in the private sector where managers focus on the bottom line and excuses count for nothing. All the regulatory agencies under the NNPCL Group must be made to sit up and do their jobs according to the law. In the same way that the old board was swept away, anyone who appears to stand in the way of delivering quality service should be shoved aside without sentiment.

    Nigeria has the examples of ARAMCO of Saudi Arabia and PETROBRAS of Brazil to learn from. While they too were established as public institutions, they have transited to profitable companies that are performing creditably. This is all Nigerians want of the new team at NNPCL.

    Read Also: NRC suspends Warri-Itakpe train operations as engine develops fault

    It is good that Mr. Ojulari and his team are coming on board at a time that the public-owned refineries are coming alive. As President Bola Tinubu noted in the goals he set for them, the refineries should fully come alive.

     The first task is to set governance core for the group and ensure that the refineries consistently produce refined products. It is imperative to come to a decision as to what to do about running the four refineries. Are they to continue as fully-owned companies by the Federal Government, or cede management to the private sector?  In the alternative, is it about time to sell them off to the private sector, thus raising funds to fix critical infrastructure deficit in the country?

    The new board should meet with critical stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the President and others to decide if the plan to sell shares to the public should go ahead in the interest of the people of Nigeria or be aborted at this stage. It must be noted that Nigerians would only support a model that would make the products available at affordable cost.

    It is gratifying that the undue controversy over whether crude should be supplied to the private refineries in the country in dollars or Naira has been put to rest, with the decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) that the Naira-for-crude deal should resume henceforth.

    Nigerians deserve the best; the very best. All eyes are on Mr. Ojulari. He has no choice but to deliver on his mandate. He has the wherewithal to do it. He can command the future of oil in this land.

  • NNPCL: A necessary reset to rescue Nigeria’s oil industry

    NNPCL: A necessary reset to rescue Nigeria’s oil industry

    SIR: The recent overhaul of the NNPC Limited board and management by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not merely an administrative reshuffle—it is a decisive intervention in the national interest, aimed at rescuing the country’s most strategic public enterprise from systemic rot and institutional capture. The necessity of these appointments stems from the deeply troubling legacy of the Mele Kyari-led management, under which NNPC degenerated into a citadel of opacity, financial malpractice, and operational inefficiency, despite the transformative intent of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

    Under Kyari’s leadership, NNPC Limited failed to meet even the most basic standards of corporate governance and transparency expected of a commercially oriented national oil company. Year after year, billions of dollars in crude oil revenues were unremitted, underreported or misapplied under various opaque arrangements. The so-called fuel subsidy regime, for which NNPC served as the primary disbursing agency, became a fiscal sinkhole—characterized by gross overstatements, non-existent verification mechanisms, and allegations of fictitious volumes and round-tripping. Meanwhile, critical investment decisions stalled, upstream output declined, and the country was left unable to take full advantage of high oil prices due to mismanagement and leakages.

    Read Also: Be guided by national interests, Reps committee chair tells new NNPCL boss

     The transition of NNPC into a limited liability company was supposed to signal a new era of commercial discipline and accountability. Instead, Kyari’s tenure saw the entrenchment of old habits under a new corporate guise. The company evaded scrutiny by withholding audited statements, failing to engage meaningfully with shareholders—the Nigerian people—and resisting structural reforms under the guise of national security or market sensitivity. This undermined investor confidence, constrained capital inflow into the sector, and left Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain in a state of arrested development.

    At this critical juncture—where Nigeria must stabilize its fiscal base, accelerate gas commercialization, attract investment, and align with global energy transition trends—NNPC cannot continue to be a drain on the treasury or a bastion of unaccountability. The new board and management, appointed with careful consideration of technical competence, ethical standing, and regional representation, brings with them, a renewed mandate: to clean house, rebuild trust, and reposition NNPC as a truly performance-driven national oil company.

    This moment marks the beginning of a long-overdue shift—from rent-seeking to value creation, from secrecy to transparency, and from institutional stagnation to strategic renewal. It is a necessary turning point for NNPC, and by extension, for Nigeria’s economic future.

    • Bala Mohammed, Abuja.
  • Middle-Belt group elated over Tinubu’s appointment of new NNPC CEO, Ojulari

    Middle-Belt group elated over Tinubu’s appointment of new NNPC CEO, Ojulari

    The Cultural Middle-Belt Renaissance Forum has praised President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Bayo Ojulari, who hails from Kwara State as the new CEO of NNPC Limited and Sam Omotowa From Kogi State as the Director from North Central.

    The forum equally commended the president for appointing Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah as Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Science and Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor of the same institution, both of whom are from Southern Kaduna, describing it as an important recognition of the Middle Belt region in key decision-making positions In Nigeria.

    A statement signed by the Secretary-General of the Middle-Belt Renaissance Forum, Prince I.D Onucheyo, says the development underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in governance.

    Prince Onucheyo also noted that the Middle Belt region, often referred to as the “food basket” of Nigeria, has historically been marginalised in national politics and by empowering capable leaders from the region, President Tinubu’s administration is taking a step towards addressing the imbalance, which demonstrates the Tinubu administration’s commitment to inclusivity and regional development.

    Read Also: NNPCL Leadership recast, fruits of FCT off TSA and other matters

    “The recognition of the Middle Belt region in key decision-making positions has far-reaching implications. It not only promotes regional development but also fosters a sense of belonging and ownership among the people. This, in turn, can lead to increased stability, security, and economic growth in the region”, he added.

    The group further noted that the recognition of the Middle Belt region in key decision-making positions in the country is a crucial step towards promoting national development, security, stability, and growth of the nation.

    While Congratulating Bayo Ojulari, Sam Omotowa, Bishop Mathew Kuka and Prof. Qurix Barnabas, the group urged them to utilize their expertise to make a positive impact and bring pride to the region and Nigeria.

  • Be guided by national interests, Reps committee chair tells new NNPCL boss

    Be guided by national interests, Reps committee chair tells new NNPCL boss

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Midstream, Odianosen Okojie, has asked the  new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Eng. Bayo Ojulari, to prioritise national interest in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    Ojulari, who was appointed by the President to replace Mele Kyari on Thursday, officially assumed duty on Friday as the new company’s GCEO.

    In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Okojie commended Kyari and his team for their services to the nation and urged the Ojulari-led team to break new frontiers in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

    The statement reads in part:  “I, on behalf of the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), congratulate the new management team of the NNPCL led by Engr. Bayo Ojulari.

    “Your assignment is a call to the service of your fatherland and I urge you to be guided by national interest in the discharge of this duty. With your wealth of experience garnered over the years and spanning critical segments of the industry value chain, I have no doubt whatsoever that the oil and gas sector is in good hands.

    “It is our expectation that you will walk your talk by improving on crude oil production to an enviable height given the revenue shortage experienced by successive governments over the years.

    Read Also: NNPCL names new senior management team

    “Given the undeniable fact that oil remains the cornerstone of our economy, no effort should be spared in making the industry operates at optimal capacity.

    “I wish you and your team success as you settle down to business in the weeks ahead.”

    The lawmaker, who represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in Edo State said: “The outgoing team deserves our collective applause for their service to the nation. The achievements of Kyari and his team cannot be ignored by a wave of the hand.

    “Your role in the enactment of the PIA, the resuscitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, security of the nation’s oil and gas assets are a few of the feats we cannot forget in a hurry.

    “I wish you the best in your future endeavour.”

  • NNPCL names new senior management team

    NNPCL names new senior management team

    • Ojulari seeks staff support, takes over from Kyari

    • Shareholders ratify appointment of new management team

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)  yesterday announced the appointment of a new eight-man Senior Management Team.

    The appointment followed the appointment of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Board of Director.

    The appointments all take immediate effect, according to the press statement by Soneye.

    The statement said: “Following the appointment of the Group Chief Executive Officer and Board of

    Directors, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the appointment of a new 8-man Senior Management Team on Friday.

    “The team which will be headed by the GCEO, Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer; Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer; and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power & New Energy. Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary & Chief Legal Officer. All appointments are with immediate effect.”

    Meanwhile, the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari yesterday sought the support of management and staff of the firm to achieve the enormous targets.

    Read Also: Tinubu is a courageous leader, we are praying for him – Bishop Wale Oke

    He spoke while taking over office from his predecessor, Malam Mele Kyari in NNPCL towers, Abuja.

    This was contained in the press statement, NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye issued yesterday.

    The statement reads in part: “The new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum

    Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has officially taken over the reins of the company from his predecessor, Mr. Mele Kyari.

    “In a brief handover ceremony held at the NNPC Towers on Friday, the GCEO commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPC Ltd and his sterling service to the nation.

    “He disclosed that the objective of his management was to consolidate on the successes of his predecessor and take the company to the next level.

    He said though the targets set for his management were quite enormous, he would be relying on the co-operation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve set targets.

    “I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari told Kyari.

    Earlier in his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office.

    He pledged to do everything within his power to support the new management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.

    Shareholders ratify appointment of new management team

    Shareholders of the NNPC Ltd have formally ratified the appointment of a new top management team, including Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Rowland Ewubare as Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), and Adedapo Segun as Chief Finance Officer (CFO).

    The resolution, which bears the signatures of the company’s shareholders—Ministry of Finance Incorporated and Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated—also confirmed the appointments of five additional executives, thereby completing the new management structure of the national oil company.

    The resolution followed a formal request conveyed in a letter from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to the Chairman of the NNPC Board, Ahmadu Musa Kida. The letter, dated April 2, 2025, urged the Board to give full effect to the reconstitution of the management structure.

    It further empowered the board to undertake all necessary administrative and legal steps to operationalize the appointments. These include executing relevant documentation, directing appropriate committees or personnel in line with legal and corporate governance frameworks, and ensuring full compliance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of NNPC Ltd.

    In accordance with the resolution, the Company Secretary has also been granted the authority to carry out all requisite statutory filings at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), ensuring that the appointments are legally documented and recognized.

    Meanwhile, multiple sources have confirmed that the Board of Directors held a meeting at the company’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was expected to finalize the internal activation of the resolution.

    With the ratification, NNPC Ltd appears poised to continue its transition into a commercially driven entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), with a leadership team reflecting both strategic experience and sectoral expertise.

    The move comes at a time when the company is undergoing significant reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, operational efficiency, and competitiveness in the global energy landscape.

    The reconstitution of the management team is widely regarded within industry circles as a critical step in repositioning NNPC Ltd as a dynamic and performance-oriented national energy company.