By Ayomide Otitoju
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has said the company is engaging partners with proven expertise in refining and petrochemical operations to reposition its refineries for sustainability and profitability.
Ojulari disclosed this on Wednesday while responding to questions during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja.
He explained that NNPC Ltd’s renewed approach goes beyond financing and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) delivery, with a strong emphasis on establishing the right operating model to ensure long-term viability.
“Getting refineries up and running requires three critical elements: financing, a competent EPC contractor, and world-class operational capacity. That is exactly our focus at the moment,” Ojulari said.
The GCEO noted that NNPC Ltd is now better positioned for commercial success and sustained profitability, driven by its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future.
Speaking on recent improvements in crude oil production, Ojulari attributed the reduction in oil theft and improved pipeline availability to strengthened collaboration with upstream operators and renewed trust within the industry. He said the new engagement model has enhanced investor confidence, productivity, and commercial outcomes.
“When the current leadership of NNPC Ltd was appointed, we initiated a fundamentally different engagement model with our partners, focused on improving systems and processes for win-win outcomes in production acceleration and contracting,” he said.
Ojulari also highlighted the Federal Government’s intervention in addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta, noting that a structured surveillance framework — including AI-enabled solutions and security personnel — has stabilised operations and ensured production consistency. He added that deeper engagement with host communities through targeted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives has further strengthened collaboration.
On the recently launched NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026, Ojulari said the company is prioritising in-country value creation through gas utilisation initiatives. He described the plan as a customer-driven strategy aimed at stimulating market growth and shared prosperity, in line with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the inclusion of industry experts on the NNPC Ltd Board and Senior Management Team, describing it as a strategic move that reinforces commercial discipline and global competitiveness.
According to Ojulari, the combination of internal expertise, international experience, and a highly skilled workforce positions NNPC Ltd as a performance-driven and commercially viable national energy company poised to deliver value to all stakeholders.
