Ojulari alleges plot to sack him, vows reforms will continue despite threats
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has raised the alarm over alleged plots by powerful interests to oust him from office, citing his implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s refinery reforms as the cause.
Ojulari, who spoke on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said both he and other management staff have faced threats as a result of ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector.
He maintained that his only “offence” was carrying out Tinubu’s directive to restore Nigeria’s moribund refineries to full capacity, using the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model as a benchmark for efficiency and transparency.
“I’m not hiding from anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but this is about development for me, and I’m ready to learn,” Ojulari said, insisting that he would not be distracted by intimidation.
The NNPCL boss stressed that the reforms were in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes energy security and national development. He vowed that management would stay the course until the refineries are revived and Nigeria regains its place as a major energy hub.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, who led the union’s delegation, pledged the association’s support for the reforms, describing them as crucial for national progress.
