The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, on Thursday, distanced himself from partisan politics, saying his focus is on reforms and the revival of the nation’s oil refineries.
Ojulari made the remark while receiving a delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by its President, Mr. Festus Osifo, at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.
“I’m not hiding from anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but for me, it is a development plan, and I’m ready to learn,” Ojulari told the delegation.
The NNPCL chief disclosed that the company was intensifying efforts to revive the country’s moribund refineries and return them to full operational capacity.
He stated that the management was considering adopting the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model, which has been widely regarded as a success story in the energy sector.
According to him, the refinery rehabilitation plan aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to restore Nigeria’s refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.
Ojulari also raised the alarm over threats to his life and those of some senior members of NNPCL’s management, attributing the hostility to entrenched interests opposed to the reforms.
“My major offence is the reforms we have introduced in line with the President’s directive to revive the refineries.
“Some powerful interests are plotting to unseat me, but I remain committed,” he said.
Despite the pressures, Ojulari vowed to continue with the company’s strategic reforms, stressing that NNPCL’s transformation was crucial to stabilising Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The visiting PENGASSAN delegation expressed solidarity with the NNPCL boss, pledging to work with management to ensure that the reforms succeed.
Osifo, who led the team, said the union recognised the challenges facing the industry but urged Ojulari not to relent in his efforts to reposition the company for efficiency and growth.
