The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has been cautioned by renowned cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele about imminent threats to his tenure. This stern warning follows mounting industry opposition and alleged plots aimed at unseating Ojulari, who assumed office in April 2025.
Ayodele revealed that Ojulari has “offended many influential players in the oil sector, including those responsible for upstream and downstream operations.” He noted that documentation against the NNPC chief is being compiled by powerful figures who appointed him but now appear intent on pushing him out. “There is no amount of impression he wants to give that will make them want him to continue in the system,” the cleric stated.
Highlighting the challenges Ojulari faces, Ayodele disclosed that the CEO is privy to information about crude theft and systemic corruption within NNPC. “He knows people who are stealing Nigeria’s crude and needs to report them to higher authorities. If he keeps silent, his image will be tainted,” Ayodele warned.
Further complicating matters, Ayodele revealed that certain factions are planning to import adulterated fuel to discredit Ojulari’s leadership, despite the CEO’s ambitious plans to reduce petrol prices and cleanse the corporation’s operations.
Ojulari, an accomplished petroleum engineer with decades of industry experience, has earned praise for initiating reforms targeting transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s oil sector. Nonetheless, these efforts have unsettled entrenched interests resistant to change.
Amidst protests by Niger Delta youth leaders demanding his resignation over alleged mismanagement, Ojulari remains resolute in executing his mandate, emphasizing a sustainable and accountable oil sector.
