In just over three months since assuming office as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bashir Bayo Ojulari has laid the groundwork for a new era of accountability, operational efficiency, and energy transition. Appointed by President Bola Tinubu on April 2, 2025, Ojulari’s leadership is already drawing attention for breaking a longstanding culture of opacity and inefficiency within Nigeria’s oil sector.
One of the most celebrated milestones under Ojulari is the successful AKK River Niger Crossing, a key segment of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline. This engineering achievement signals NNPC’s commitment to expanding gas infrastructure and unlocking cleaner energy across the country. The feat coincided with a boost in national oil output, with Nigeria surpassing its OPEC quota in June, producing 1.505 million barrels per day exceeding the target of 1.5 million bpd and pushing total oil and condensate figures to 1.7 million bpd. This marks the highest monthly production volume in over two years.
Internally, NNPC Ltd under Ojulari has recorded 100% pipeline availability, resumed monthly financial and operational reports (last consistently published in 2021), and ensured timely cash call payments to joint venture partners moves that have restored confidence in the company’s fiscal discipline. In a further demonstration of reform, Ojulari introduced a “No to value loss” policy, enforcing cost-cutting, tough decisions on underperformers, and an efficiency-first culture. A key element of this drive is the review of Nigeria’s aging refineries. According to Ojulari, all options including divestment are on the table as NNPC seeks sustainable, value-driven refinery solutions.
On the clean energy front, the company donated 35 CNG buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, reinforcing Nigeria’s pivot towards affordable and eco-friendly transportation. This complements Ojulari’s broader agenda to align NNPC with global trends in energy transition. Meanwhile, employee welfare and performance incentives are also being prioritized, positioning the company as a more attractive and responsive workplace.
With over ₦6.96 trillion remitted to the Federation Account in the first five months of 2025, and ₦905 billion in post-tax profits reported for June alone, Ojulari’s tenure has not only stabilized NNPC Ltd operationally but is beginning to redefine its legacy. As talks with OPEC continue to adjust Nigeria’s quota upwards, and preparations quietly unfold for a possible public listing in 2028, the first 100 days of Ojulari’s leadership suggest that the future of NNPC Ltd may finally be catching up with its potential.
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