Ojulari to PENGASSAN: NNPC is under attack

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Engineer Bayo Ojulari, has said the national oil company is under attack from individuals who do not mean well for Nigeria and are opposed to its ongoing transformation efforts.

Ojulari made this known on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the NNPC Towers.

He stressed that despite the attacks, the company under his leadership would not succumb to short-term pressures, noting that meaningful change always comes with a price.

“We are under attack. We will not bow to short-term pressure because it is not in the best interest of Nigerians. You cannot drive change without a price, and transformation is tough,” Ojulari stated.

The GCEO urged Nigerians to exercise patience, assuring them that the reforms being implemented would yield long-term benefits for the nation and its citizens. He also reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

While appreciating the union leaders for their solidarity, Ojulari encouraged them to remain resilient and focused during the current challenges.

“I am overwhelmed with the support from the union executives present here. The enemies of this company and of Nigeria will not succeed,” he said.

ALSO READ:We’re stepping up operations to improve Nigeria’s security — COAS

Ojulari explained that since assuming office about five months ago, his management team has prioritised reviving the nation’s refineries to make them more sustainable and profitable, adopting the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model as a possible solution.

“Mr. President has never pressured me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are going back to the basics to ensure that whatever we are doing will make the refineries work sustainably in the long run. We do not want to pretend or pursue quick fixes just because there is pressure on us,” he added.

Earlier, PENGASSAN President Comrade Festus Osifo said the union visited to appreciate the NNPC management for its partnership during the recently concluded 2025 PENGASSAN Energy & Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja. He also commended the “remarkable milestones” achieved under Ojulari’s leadership.

“Our pipelines are now functioning, and 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,” Osifo stated.

TRIBUNEONLINE