Bayo Ojulari's First Year at NNPC-L: A Period of Critical and Positive Transformations
Today, April 2, 2026, marks exactly one year since Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the second Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC-L). This appointment came after the transition from the old NNPC to the new NNPC Limited, established in 2022 following the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021. Ojulari succeeded Mallam Mele Kyari, who served as the first GCEO of the reformed entity.
Strategic Leadership and Industry Impact
Engr. Ojulari's selection is widely regarded as one of President Tinubu's most astute decisions, reflecting a pattern of identifying top talent for key roles. With a rich background in the oil and gas industry, Ojulari has demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past 365 days. His tenure has been characterized by a clear vision to transform NNPC Limited into a more efficient and profitable organization, crucial for Nigeria's socio-economic stability and global energy markets.
Boosting Production and Upstream Operations
One of Ojulari's primary focuses has been on enhancing production capacity. He targeted NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), a wholly-owned upstream subsidiary. Under his guidance, NEPL's daily oil production surged from a struggling 200,000-250,000 barrels to an impressive 330,000 barrels by August 2025, reaching 355,000 barrels by year-end. This significant increase underscores his commitment to operational excellence.
Deepwater Developments and Investment Attraction
Ojulari has also revitalized deepwater projects, leveraging the PIA framework and his global industry connections. With President Tinubu's support, he secured approval for the Bonga Southwest-Aparo field, marking the first major Final Investment Decision (FID) in Nigeria's deepwater sector since 2014. This project is expected to add 200,000 barrels of oil and 140 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, creating over 5,000 jobs. Additionally, he has accelerated the Bonga North and Preowei projects, which promise another 200,000 barrels daily, positioning Nigeria to potentially exceed 2 million barrels per day by 2027.
Financial Performance and Management Reforms
The financial results under Ojulari's leadership highlight his Midas touch. In 2024, NNPC Limited posted a profit after tax of 5.4 trillion naira, with unaudited 2025 figures indicating a rise to approximately 5.76 trillion naira. Ojulari attributes this success to strategic direction and team dedication, emphasizing that these numbers validate efforts toward economic growth and energy security. He has implemented a performance-based management system, fostering a culture of integrity and patriotism, and improved commercial contract processes to prioritize national interests over political favors.
Workforce Harmony and Public Perception
Ojulari's soft skills have been instrumental in driving internal changes. He has cultivated a positive work environment, strengthening relationships between management and labor unions, leading to industrial harmony in the oil sector. However, there is a need for enhanced media and public awareness efforts to reshape the outdated perception of NNPC as opaque and corrupt. By improving communication, the public can better appreciate the company's achievements and its role in Nigeria's development.
Future Prospects and National Gas Projects
Looking ahead, NNPC Limited is advancing key national gas infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline, Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), and Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) pipeline expansion. These initiatives align with Ojulari's vision for a diversified and robust energy sector. As he celebrates his first anniversary, there is renewed hope for the Nigerian oil and gas industry, driven by his transformative leadership. The collective wish is for continued support to sustain this positive trajectory.
