NNPC GCEO Bashir Ojulari raises alarm over threats amid reform push

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has disclosed that his life and those of members of the company’s management team are under threat from individuals opposed to the ongoing reforms in the state-owned oil company.

Ojulari made this known on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the national leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

According to him, the reforms being driven under the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have attracted resistance from vested interests, but the NNPC leadership will not bow to such pressure.

“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 stated.

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He stressed that patience and resilience are required from Nigerians as the company pushes forward with its transformation agenda, which he said would ultimately yield long-term benefits for the country.

Ojulari assured that despite the threats, his team remains focused on reviving the nation’s refineries and repositioning them for sustainable operations. He revealed that the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model is being considered to ensure the facilities deliver long-term value rather than “quick fixes.”

“Mr. President, don’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.

The GCEO also commended PENGASSAN for its solidarity, noting that the support of oil workers is critical in navigating the challenges ahead.

Earlier, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, praised the progress recorded under Ojulari’s leadership, including the improved security of pipelines and significant reduction in crude oil theft.

“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.

The 2025 PENGASSAN Energy & Labour Summit (PEALS), held recently in Abuja, also featured acknowledgments of NNPC’s “remarkable milestones” under Ojulari’s five-month stewardship.