A coalition of Niger Delta youth leaders led a mass protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the immediate resignation of the group chief executive officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, over alleged corruption and mismanagement.
The demonstrators, under the group Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum (NDENYLF), stormed the NNPCL headquarters, blocking the entrance and exit gates on Herbert Macaulay Way and severely disrupting traffic. Security agents were deployed to manage the scene, but the youths vowed to persist in their demands.
They arrived at the towers in large numbers and blocked the company’s entrance and exit gates, holding banners with different inscriptions while chanting solidarity songs.
On one of the inscriptions on the banners, the coalition called for replacing the GCEO over alleged corruption.
They also called for the reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery and restoration of all indigenes of the Niger Delta sacked by Ojulari.
The protest disrupted vehicular traffic on the roads, and security agents were seen appealing to the protesters, trying to maintain order and ensure a free flow of traffic.
Motorists and NNPC Ltd. workers were forced to park their cars far away from the gates of the towers due to the protest.
Addressing the press and gathering, the spokesperson for the Niger Delta youth coalition, Emeka Daniels, stated forcefully: “We are here because of the blatant neglect and corruption that has plagued the leadership of NNPCL under Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari. Our resources continue to be exploited with little benefit to the Niger Delta people, who bear the brunt of this industry. We demand that President Tinubu sack Ojulari immediately and appoint an indigene of the Niger Delta as the next Group CEO.”
Daniels alleged that under Ojulari’s watch, billions of naira meant for community development and environmental remediation were lost to fraudulent schemes:
“This protest is peaceful but resolute. The corruption smell at the top echelon is unbearable. We demand transparency and accountability from this so-called public institution. The survival and well-being of millions in the Niger Delta depend on this.”
Another prominent youth leader, Ifeoma Akpan, added: “For too long, the Niger Delta has been marginalised in the leadership of the oil sector despite being the heart of Nigeria’s oil wealth. Enough is enough. Our demands are simple: the resignation of Ojulari and the immediate appointment of a qualified Niger Delta indigene who understands and belongs to the people.”
In response to the protest, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo, the representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum, met with the leaders and promised to convey their grievances to the presidency.
Following talks, the protesters agreed to partially lift the blockade but maintained they would stay at the premises until their demands were met.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions in the Niger Delta region as locals seek greater representation and fairness in the management of Nigeria’s key oil production sector.
