The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has spotlighted a string of achievements as it commemorates the first 100 days in office of its new Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
In a progress update released on Wednesday via its official social media platforms, the company outlined strides made across key areas including upstream operations, infrastructure delivery, energy transition, and internal corporate reforms.
Ojulari, who stepped into the role on April 2, 2025, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, succeeded Mele Kyari as part of a sweeping overhaul of the NNPCL executive leadership. Since taking the reins, his administration has prioritized transparency, performance, and commercial agility an approach the company now describes as one of “steady commitment and forward movement.”
“The report card is out, and the first 100 days of the Group CEO is a testament to steadfast commitment and forward movement,” NNPCL stated in the publication.
Strengthening Production and Partnerships
Under Ojulari’s leadership, the NNPCL says it has deepened collaboration with upstream partners and driven renewed growth in oil and gas output. A major win in this period was the restoration of full pipeline availability—an achievement seen as vital to boosting revenue and preventing disruptions in product delivery.
Timely cash call payments, the company noted, have further enhanced partner confidence and improved operational stability in joint venture projects.
Refinery Revival on the Table
Work is also underway to address Nigeria’s long-stalled refining sector. According to the company, Ojulari’s team is actively conducting technical and commercial evaluations to determine the best path forward for the country’s state-owned refineries.
In his own words, Ojulari acknowledged that the process is proving “a bit more complicated” than expected. He emphasized that while outright sale of the refineries isn’t yet decided, it’s also not off the table.
“All the options are on the table, to be frank,” he said, hinting that the outcome of ongoing reviews will shape the final decision.
Clean Energy Commitments
NNPCL also pointed to its growing focus on cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives. A recent example is the donation of 35 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Presidential Initiative on CNG. The company described the move as part of its long-term shift toward sustainable energy solutions.
“This is not just about cleaner air. It’s about affordability, innovation, and building Nigeria’s energy future. The roads are talking: CNG is the future,” the statement read.
Infrastructure and Transparency
On the infrastructure front, a major milestone was the completion of the River Niger Crossing section of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline one of the project’s most technically challenging segments.
Ojulari hailed the progress as a symbol of NNPCL’s transformation into a more focused and forward-looking energy company.
In a return to financial transparency, the company has also resumed publishing its monthly financial and operational reports something last done consistently in 2021. In the first five months of 2025, NNPCL remitted ₦6.96 trillion to the Federation Account. However, its June Monthly Report shows a slight dip in profit, with ₦905 billion posted as Profit After Tax, compared to ₦1.054 trillion in May.
Internal Reforms and Workforce Welfare
Internally, NNPCL says it is investing in its people addressing long-standing welfare gaps, improving employee benefits, and promoting a performance-driven culture. The company reiterated its commitment to building a workplace defined by merit, transparency, and growth.
“We are reinforcing our commitment to constructive engagement and becoming an employer of choice,” the update noted.
Leaner Operations, Sharper Focus
As part of its repositioning strategy, the company is also intensifying efforts to eliminate inefficiencies and cut operational waste. Non-performing units are being reviewed, and every expenditure is being scrutinized to ensure value for money.
“We are saying ‘No’ to value loss. Every Naira must count,” the company declared.
To support its operational targets, NNPCL said it has opened new funding channels and is pursuing strategic investments in upstream and midstream assets.
“These are the right doors we must open to transform NNPC into a truly commercial entity,” Ojulari was quoted as saying.
