Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari,says his management team prioritised reviving the nation’s refineries since they came on board five months ago.
He explained that the development was necessary in order to put the refineries 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 said this playing host to a delegation from the national body of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday.
He disclosed that the company is under attack from people who don’t mean well for Nigeria and who are against the ongoing transformation efforts in the NNPC.
According to him, 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 added.
He emphasised that patience will be required from the Nigerian people at large to get to the other side of change, which will benefit Nigeria and her citizens.
He reiterated his commitment to stay focused in driving the mandate given to the team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Thanking the leadership of the Union 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,” he said.
In his address, the President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the oil workers union visited the company’s boss to thank the NNPC Management for its partnership during the recently held 2025 PENGASSAN Energy & Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja.
He also acknowledged the “remarkable milestones” recorded so far under the GCEO’s watch.
“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,” he added.
