.jpeg)
In a bold and revealing address in Abuja on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bayo Ojulari, disclosed that there are concerted efforts to oust him from his position. He alleged that both his safety and that of NNPC staff are under threat due to his aggressive push for transformative reforms within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Ojulari’s statements come at a critical juncture for the nation’s petroleum industry, as the NNPC embarks on an ambitious plan to revive Nigeria’s long-dormant refineries and restore them to full operational capacity. Despite the challenges and alleged hostility, Ojulari remains steadfast in his commitment to driving change, drawing inspiration from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model to guide the revitalization effort. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Ojulari’s claims, the broader context of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and the implications of his reform agenda.
A Defiant Stand Amid Alleged Threats
Bayo Ojulari’s public disclosure of threats to his safety and attempts to remove him from office underscores the high stakes of his role as the head of NNPC Ltd., Nigeria’s state-owned oil company. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Ojulari revealed that his efforts to implement sweeping reforms in the oil and gas industry have provoked significant resistance from certain quarters. While he did not name specific individuals or groups behind the alleged threats, his remarks suggest that powerful interests within and outside the industry may be unsettled by his agenda to overhaul the sector.
“I’m not hiding from anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but it’s a development plan for me, right? And I’m ready to learn,” Ojulari declared, signaling his determination to press forward despite the challenges. His candid acknowledgment of the political dimensions of his role highlights the complex interplay of economic, social, and political forces in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
Ojulari’s leadership comes at a time when Nigeria’s petroleum sector is undergoing a transformative phase, spurred by the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021 and the transition of the NNPC into a limited liability company under the PIA’s framework. As the Group CEO, Ojulari is tasked with steering the organization toward greater efficiency, transparency, and profitability while addressing longstanding challenges such as refinery underperformance, pipeline vandalism, and oil theft.
The Push for Refinery Revitalization
Central to Ojulari’s reform agenda is the revitalization of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries, located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. These facilities, with a combined capacity of approximately 445,000 barrels per day, have been largely idle for years due to mismanagement, lack of maintenance, and operational inefficiencies. As a result, Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products to meet domestic demand, a situation that has strained the country’s foreign exchange reserves and fueled public discontent.
Ojulari outlined plans to bring the refineries back to full operational capacity, emphasizing a strategic approach inspired by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model. The NLNG, a joint venture between the NNPC, international oil companies, and other stakeholders, is widely regarded as a success story in Nigeria’s energy sector. Its operational efficiency, commercial orientation, and ability to attract investment have made it a benchmark for public-private partnerships in the industry. By adopting a similar framework, Ojulari aims to transform the refineries into commercially viable entities capable of meeting domestic fuel needs and reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
The revival of the refineries is a cornerstone of NNPC Ltd.’s broader strategy to reposition Nigeria as a net exporter of refined petroleum products. Ojulari’s vision includes upgrading the refineries’ infrastructure, optimizing their operations, and ensuring they adhere to global standards of efficiency and sustainability. This ambitious undertaking requires significant capital investment, technical expertise, and political will, all of which have been in short supply in previous efforts to rehabilitate the facilities.
Challenges and Resistance to Reform
Ojulari’s allegations of threats to his safety and attempts to remove him from office highlight the formidable challenges facing his reform agenda. Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has long been plagued by entrenched interests, including powerful cartels that benefit from the status quo of fuel importation and subsidies. The reliance on imported petroleum products has created a lucrative market for importers, who may view the revival of domestic refineries as a threat to their profits. Similarly, issues such as oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and corruption within the sector have persisted due to systemic inefficiencies and lack of accountability.
The NNPC’s transition to a limited liability company under the PIA was intended to address some of these challenges by fostering greater transparency and commercial discipline. However, the process has not been without controversy. The shift to a profit-oriented model has raised concerns among some stakeholders about job security, pricing mechanisms, and the potential impact on fuel subsidies, which remain a politically sensitive issue in Nigeria.
Ojulari’s remarks suggest that his push for reform has unsettled these entrenched interests, leading to resistance and, allegedly, threats to his personal safety and that of NNPC staff. The oil and gas sector’s complex web of stakeholders—including government officials, industry players, labor unions, and local communities—creates a challenging environment for any leader seeking to implement transformative change. Ojulari’s acknowledgment that he needs to “learn a bit more about politics” reflects his recognition of the need to navigate these dynamics carefully while maintaining focus on his strategic objectives.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is the backbone of the country’s economy, accounting for approximately 80 percent of government revenue and over 90 percent of export earnings. However, the sector has faced persistent challenges that have limited its ability to deliver sustainable benefits to the Nigerian populace. Decades of mismanagement, underinvestment, and corruption have left the industry in a state of disrepair, with aging infrastructure, declining production, and inefficiencies in downstream operations.
The four state-owned refineries, in particular, have been a symbol of the sector’s dysfunction. Despite billions of dollars spent on maintenance and turnaround efforts over the years, the refineries have operated at a fraction of their capacity, forcing Nigeria to import the majority of its refined petroleum products. This reliance on imports has contributed to recurrent fuel shortages, price volatility, and significant pressure on the naira, which has depreciated sharply against major currencies in recent years.
The Petroleum Industry Act, signed into law in 2021, was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at addressing these challenges. The PIA introduced reforms to improve governance, attract investment, and enhance operational efficiency in the oil and gas sector. Key provisions included the commercialization of the NNPC, the establishment of new regulatory bodies, and the creation of a framework for host community development. While the PIA has been hailed as a step toward modernizing the industry, its implementation has faced hurdles, including resistance from vested interests and logistical challenges.
Ojulari’s leadership comes at a critical juncture in the PIA’s implementation. As the head of NNPC Ltd., he is responsible for driving the company’s transformation into a commercially viable entity while addressing the legacy issues that have hampered the sector’s performance. His focus on reviving the refineries aligns with the PIA’s objectives of promoting energy security, reducing import dependence, and fostering economic diversification.
The NLNG Model: A Blueprint for Success?
Ojulari’s reference to the NLNG model as a framework for refinery revitalization is significant. The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas company, established in 1989, is a joint venture between the NNPC (49 percent), Shell (25.6 percent), TotalEnergies (15 percent), and Eni (10.4 percent). The NLNG has been a standout success in Nigeria’s energy sector, contributing billions of dollars to the economy through LNG exports and domestic gas supply. Its operational efficiency, transparent governance, and ability to attract international investment have made it a model for public-private partnerships in Africa.
By adopting elements of the NLNG model, Ojulari aims to transform the refineries into commercially driven enterprises with clear governance structures and private-sector participation. This could involve partnerships with international oil companies, local investors, or other stakeholders to provide the capital and expertise needed to rehabilitate and operate the refineries. Such a model could also address issues of mismanagement and inefficiency by introducing performance-based metrics and accountability mechanisms.
However, replicating the NLNG’s success in the refining sector will not be straightforward. The NLNG operates in the upstream and midstream segments of the gas value chain, which differ significantly from the downstream refining sector. Refineries require substantial investment in infrastructure, skilled manpower, and supply chain logistics, as well as a stable policy environment to attract investors. Moreover, the political and social sensitivities surrounding fuel pricing and subsidies in Nigeria could complicate efforts to commercialize the refineries.
Implications for Nigeria’s Energy Future
The success of Ojulari’s reform agenda could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s energy sector and broader economy. Reviving the refineries would reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products, freeing up foreign exchange reserves and alleviating pressure on the naira. It would also create jobs, stimulate economic activity in host communities, and enhance energy security by ensuring a reliable supply of fuel for domestic consumption.
Furthermore, operational refineries could position Nigeria as a regional hub for refined petroleum products, enabling exports to neighboring countries and generating additional revenue. This aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which aims to boost intra-African trade and economic integration. A revitalized refining sector could also attract foreign direct investment, bolstering Nigeria’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
However, the challenges are significant. The alleged threats to Ojulari’s safety and the resistance to his reforms underscore the difficulty of dismantling entrenched interests in the oil and gas sector. The financial cost of rehabilitating the refineries, estimated to run into billions of dollars, will require careful planning and resource mobilization. Additionally, the government’s continued reliance on fuel subsidies, despite efforts to phase them out, could complicate the commercialization of the refineries.
Stakeholder Reactions and Public Sentiment
Ojulari’s allegations of threats have sparked widespread concern among industry stakeholders and the public. Analysts view his remarks as a bold move to shine a light on the challenges facing the NNPC and to rally support for his reform agenda. Civil society groups and industry associations have called for investigations into the alleged threats, emphasizing the need to protect NNPC staff and ensure a conducive environment for reforms.
Public sentiment on social media platforms, including X, reflects a mix of support for Ojulari’s efforts and frustration with the persistent challenges in the oil and gas sector. Many Nigerians view the revival of the refineries as a long-overdue step toward energy independence, but skepticism remains due to past failures in similar initiatives. The government and NNPC will need to demonstrate tangible progress to maintain public trust and counter resistance from vested interests.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Risks
As Bayo Ojulari navigates the complexities of leading NNPC Ltd., his ability to balance reform with political and operational realities will be critical. The adoption of the NLNG model offers a promising framework, but its success will depend on securing investment, building technical capacity, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. Ojulari’s willingness to “learn” the political dimensions of his role suggests a pragmatic approach to addressing resistance and building coalitions for change.
The broader economic context will also shape the NNPC’s trajectory. Nigeria’s economy is grappling with high inflation (32.15 percent as of August 2025), currency depreciation, and elevated interest rates, which could impact the financing of refinery projects. Global oil market dynamics, including fluctuations in crude oil prices, will also influence the NNPC’s operations and revenue prospects.
For Ojulari, the immediate priority will be to ensure the safety of NNPC staff and maintain momentum on the refinery revitalization project. Engaging with stakeholders, including government agencies, private investors, and local communities, will be essential to building support for his agenda. Transparency and accountability in the implementation of reforms will also be critical to countering allegations of mismanagement and ensuring public confidence.
Conclusion
Bayo Ojulari’s leadership of NNPC Ltd. represents a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His bold vision to revive the nation’s refineries, inspired by the NLNG model, holds the promise of transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and reducing its reliance on imported fuel. However, the alleged threats to his safety and the resistance to his reforms highlight the formidable challenges he faces in dismantling entrenched interests and driving change.
As Nigeria navigates a complex economic and political environment, the success of Ojulari’s agenda will depend on his ability to mobilize resources, build partnerships, and maintain public trust. The revival of the refineries could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s energy security and economic diversification, but it will require sustained commitment and strategic execution. For now, Ojulari’s resolute stance in the face of adversity signals his determination to deliver on his mandate, positioning NNPC Ltd. as a catalyst for Nigeria’s energy future.
