‘We’re under attack’, NNPC boss cries out

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Ojulari, has raised the alarm that the company is “under attack” from forces bent on frustrating the ongoing transformation efforts aimed at repositioning the national oil corporation for greater efficiency and accountability.

Ojulari made the revelation on Thursday while hosting the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

He declared that the current wave of resistance was not unexpected, given the depth of reforms currently underway in the company but vowed that neither he nor his management team would bow to pressure or allow short-term setbacks to derail their mandate.

“We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians,” the GCEO stated firmly.

“You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough. But we will stay the course, because at the end, it is Nigerians who will benefit.”

Ojulari, who has been at the helm for barely five months, explained that his team has since prioritized reviving the country’s refineries with a clear focus on sustainability and long-term profitability, rather than opting for cosmetic fixes.

He noted that the adoption of the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model is one of the approaches being pursued to ensure that the nation’s refining capacity is restored and placed on a durable path.

“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 stressed, insisting that patience and resilience were crucial to seeing the reforms through.

He described the attacks on the company as the handiwork of individuals and groups who do not mean well for Nigeria, adding that their actions were designed to derail the progress made so far. “The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win,” he assured. “I am overwhelmed with the support from the union executives present here. We must stay calm, build resilience, and remain focused during these trials.”

In his remarks, the President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended the NNPC boss and his management team for what he called “remarkable milestones” achieved within a short time. According to him, the union was particularly impressed with the improvements in pipeline security and the significant reduction in crude oil theft, which has led to higher production volumes and restored confidence in the system.

“Our pipelines are now working. Also, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production,” Osifo said. “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.”

The labour leader explained that the visit was also to express gratitude to the NNPC for its partnership during the recently concluded 2025 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja, which, he noted, underscored the importance of constructive engagement between labour and management in advancing the national energy agenda.

Ojulari, on his part, reiterated that the transformation of NNPC Ltd. is not just about turning around the fortunes of the company but also about laying the foundation for sustainable energy security and prosperity for Nigerians. He appealed for patience and collective support, insisting that the process of change, though tough, would ultimately deliver dividends that the nation has long desired.

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