Ojulari: NNPC under attack from those against transformation

The Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, says the company is under attack from people who don’t mean well for Nigeria and who are against the ongoing transformation efforts in the company.

Ojulari disclosed this while playing host to a delegation from the national body of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

He said because change always comes with a price, the NNPC management will not succumb to such attacks. Instead, it will work for the larger interest 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 stated.

Ojulari stressed that patience will be required from the Nigerians at large to get to the other side of change, which will benefit the country and the citizens.

He reiterated his commitment to stay focused in driving the mandate given to the team by President Bola Tinubu.

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While thanking the leadership of the PENGASSAN for its support, Ojulari assured them to stay calm and build resilience to stay focused during these trials.

“I am overwhelmed with the support from the union executives present here. The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win,” the NNPC boss added.

He said since coming on board about five months ago, his management team prioritised reviving the nation’s refineries in order to put them back into more sustainable and profitable venture by considering the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model.

“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,” Ojulari added.

Speaking, the President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the oil workers’ union came to thank the NNPC Limited management for its partnership during the recently held 2025 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja.

Osifo added: “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.”

The Star