By Ayomide Otitoju
Newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has pledged to transform the state-owned energy giant into a globally competitive, transparent, and proudly Nigerian enterprise.
Speaking during his first townhall meeting with staff at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday, Ojulari described his new role as both a great honour and a weighty responsibility. He said the company stands at the threshold of a new era, one that demands courage, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
“We are at a defining moment, not just for NNPC Ltd., but for Nigeria’s energy future,” Ojulari stated. “Our ambition is bold—but necessary. It is time to turn our transformation promise into performance.”
Unveiling his agenda, the GCEO laid out ambitious targets: attracting $30 billion in sectoral investments by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030; increasing crude oil production to over 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million by 2030; expanding refining capacity to 200,000 barrels per day by 2027 and 500,000 by 2030; and boosting gas production to 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 bcf by 2030. He also pledged to deepen energy access and affordability for Nigerians.
To achieve these goals, Ojulari said NNPC Ltd. will focus on restructuring its business for agility, embracing data-driven decision-making, implementing a robust performance framework, fostering transparent partnerships, and taking control of its public narrative.
“These numbers are not just statistics—they represent hope, jobs, and energy security for millions of Nigerians,” he stressed.
Ojulari encouraged staff to take pride in the company’s recent transformation and urged a unified effort to make NNPC Ltd. more transparent, profitable, and accountable. He pledged to create an environment where all employees—both experienced and young—can thrive and outperform global competitors.
He further assured that the company’s leadership will maintain strong engagement with in-house and national unions, fostering mutual respect and shared purpose. “Our greatest asset is our people. Empowered employees will power our success,” he said.
