Ojulari Alleges Plot to Unseat Him, Says NNPCL Under Attack

Ojulari Alleges Plot to Unseat Him, Says NNPCL Under Attack

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  • August 29, 2025
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The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has alleged that there are plots to unseat him, warning that the company is under coordinated attacks from individuals opposed to its ongoing transformation agenda.

Ojulari made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the national leadership of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.
He noted that change often comes with resistance, but assured that his management team would not succumb to pressures that undermine the long-term interests of Nigerians.

“We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians. You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough,” Ojulari said.

The GCEO urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the reforms unfold, stressing that the ultimate goal is to reposition NNPCL into a more sustainable and profitable national energy company. He added that President Bola Tinubu has given his team a clear mandate and has not pressured him to “do the wrong thing.”

Ojulari further disclosed that one of his key priorities in the past five months has been reviving Nigeria’s refineries through the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model, with the aim of ensuring they function sustainably rather than relying on temporary fixes.

“Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are looking at the baseline to ensure whatever we are doing, the refineries work sustainably going forward. We don’t want to pretend and just do some quick fix because there is pressure on us,” he added.

Earlier, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended Ojulari’s leadership, citing significant achievements such as improved pipeline security and reduced crude oil theft, which have boosted national production.

“Our pipelines are now working. Also, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production. As PENGASSAN, we assure you that we are solidly behind you. We will work with you and collaborate with your team to ensure the stability of the system for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Osifo said.

Ojulari thanked the union for its solidarity, assuring that his team will remain focused on delivering reforms despite what he described as the efforts of “enemies of progress.”
The visit comes against the backdrop of mounting public scrutiny of NNPCL operations as Nigerians await visible results from ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector.