Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, has revealed that he and his management team are confronting significant attacks and even threats to their lives. These challenges are directly linked to the extensive transformation initiatives being implemented within the national oil firm, a mandate he received from President Bola Tinubu. Ojulari made these assertions on Thursday in Abuja, during a meeting with a delegation from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by its president, Festus Osifo.

Ojulari articulated a firm stance against the pressure, stating that the NNPC management will not yield to short-term demands, as doing so would not serve the larger interest of Nigerians. He acknowledged that “You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough,” emphasizing that patience is crucial for Nigerians to fully realize the benefits of these ongoing reforms. Despite admitting he is “not a politician” and needs to learn more about the political landscape, he views the current efforts as a “development plan” he is committed to. He underscored his unwavering focus on delivering the presidential mandate and affirmed that the “enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win.”

The GCEO highlighted that since assuming office approximately five months prior, which was April 2, a core priority for his team has been the revival of Nigeria’s moribund refineries. The goal is to transform these facilities into sustainable and profitable ventures, with careful consideration given to models such as the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) and frameworks similar to those successfully employed by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company. Ojulari stressed the importance of thorough baseline assessments to ensure long-term sustainability, rejecting “quick fixes” driven by immediate pressure, stating, “Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing.”

In a show of solidarity, the PENGASSAN delegation expressed profound gratitude for NNPC’s support during their recent 2025 PENGASSAN energy and labour summit (PEALS). Festus Osifo, PENGASSAN president, affirmed the union’s strong backing for Ojulari’s management, pledging collaboration to ensure system stability for the benefit of all Nigerians. Osifo also noted “remarkable milestones” achieved under Ojulari’s leadership, including improved pipeline operations, significant reduction in crude oil theft, and a consequent increase in crude oil production.

Ojulari’s tenure as GCEO began after the dissolution of the previous NNPC Ltd board, which included the former GCEO, Mele Kyari, and board chairperson Pius Akinyelure. This period has seen a restructuring of the senior management team and the directive for certain management staff with less than a year to retirement to proceed on exit. The company has also faced public scrutiny, including protests demanding Ojulari’s resignation over allegations of corruption and mismanagement, which he implicitly referred to as part of the broader attacks. He concluded by thanking the union for their support and urging them to remain calm, resilient, and steadfast during these challenging times.