Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has announced that he and his management team face serious threats due to reforms aimed at reviving Nigeria’s struggling refineries, alleging powerful forces are plotting to remove him from his position.

Speaking at NNPCL’s Abuja headquarters during a meeting with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by President Festus Osifo, Ojulari tied the threats to his efforts to overhaul the oil and gas sector, as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.

“I’m not hiding from anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but it’s a development plan for me, right? And I’m ready to learn,” - Ojulari

Ojulari also outlined plans to adopt the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model to restore the nation’s moribund refineries to full capacity.

The model, which emphasizes public-private partnerships, aims to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

He emphasized ongoing efforts to stabilize the oil sector, responding to PENGASSAN’s concerns about NNPCL’s operational challenges.

The allegations follow reports of a protest by Niger Delta youth leaders at NNPCL’s headquarters on August 27, 2025, demanding Ojulari’s resignation over alleged corruption and mismanagement.

The NNPCL faces additional scrutiny from investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Senate Public Accounts Committee, though these predate Ojulari’s tenure, which began in April 2025.

The threats and pushback highlight the high stakes of reforming Nigeria’s oil industry, a critical economic driver.

Ojulari’s success in implementing the NLNG model and navigating opposition could shape the future of the country’s refineries and energy sector.