NNPC Ltd defends leadership style, lists achievements under Ojulari

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has responded to allegations concerning the performance of its leadership, led by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engineer Bayo Ojulari, in connection with the recently concluded oil licensing round conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

In a press statement signed by NNPC Limited’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer (CCCO), Andy Odeh, the company, while responding to allegations by the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum (OGPF) on licensing round outcomes and production performance, said it had no regulatory or allocative role in the licensing exercise. It added that the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 placed the responsibility for conducting oil licensing rounds and allocating oil blocks on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

On crude oil production, the national oil company said publicly available data had shown a clear and sustained improvement in crude oil output under the current leadership.

According to the statement, as of April 2025, average crude oil production stood at 1.60 million barrels per day (mbpd), inclusive of condensate, while output rose through the second half of 2025 and stabilised at 1.67 mbpd, inclusive of condensate, by April 2026.

It said, “This is an increase of approximately 80,000 barrels per day, which represents 6 per cent growth. These figures are documented in NNPC Limited’s Monthly Performance Report, which is available to the public.”

Also on gas production, NNPC Limited said that, as of April 2025, gas production averaged 7,354 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), and by April 2026, it had risen to 7,729 mmscfd, representing 5 per cent growth and indicating expanding gas output in support of Nigeria’s domestic energy security and export commitments.

“Again, these figures are documented in NNPC Limited’s publicly available Monthly Performance Report. NNPC Limited remains committed to operating with transparency and will continue to engage openly on matters concerning the Company’s performance and operations.

“The Company also reserves the right to take necessary steps to protect its reputation and that of its leadership against the publication of false or unsubstantiated claims.

“We encourage industry commentators, analysts and professional associations to verify information through the appropriate regulatory and corporate channels before publication. This will help ensure that public commentary is factual, balanced and contributes constructively to informed discourse on the Nigerian energy sector,” the statement added.