Oil Firm Sabotage Plot Alleged, Nigerian Admin Urged to Intervene
A plot aimed at undermining the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has been unearthed, according to a public affairs analyst and coordinator of the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives (CGGCI), Okpokwu Ogenyi. Ogenyi called for vigilance from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to prevent any frustrations to the state-owned oil company.
Ogenyi, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, expressed concern over recent attacks targeted at the NNPCL under the leadership of Bayo Ojulari. In just a few months, Ojulari has brought significant growth to the company, marked by transparent monthly financial reports and revenue declarations.
The analyst warned against unfounded allegations and character assassinations against Ojulari, who was chosen by President Tinubu based on his proven competence, credibility, and industry expertise. This decision, Ogenyi stressed, should not be tainted by deceptive lobbying, as it could disrupt essential reforms and reinstall individuals prone to corruption.
Under Ojulari’s leadership, the NNPCL has initiated a comprehensive audit of long-standing, opaque contracts, particularly those involving crude lifting and infrastructure projects. This audit has exposed inflated costs and revenue leakages, now under internal review. Furthermore, real-time monitoring of critical operations—including crude production, refining, and fuel distribution—has been implemented, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Ojulari has also put an end to several shady deals with unqualified intermediaries and shell entities used to siphon national resources. This move has saved the nation billions in prospective losses.
For the first time in years, whistleblowing and internal accountability are being actively encouraged at NNPC. Dedicated staff reassignment and strengthened internal oversight units are integral to these enhanced anti-corruption measures.
Media Talk Africa recently reported similar concerns regarding plots to sabotage the NNPCL. As Nigeria’s president, Tinubu is urged to remain discerning and resist attempts to hinder the country’s state-owned oil firm.
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