Public affairs analyst Awaal Dairu, convener of the Coalition of Civil Society for Energy Reform, says that Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is facing criticism fueled by false information spread by both internal and external forces. Dairu argues that oil‑sector cabals are trying to derail reforms at NNPCL and divert attention from the company’s progress.
The criticism of Ojulari follows a sustained campaign by the Ijaw Youth Council calling for his resignation. Dairu, a stakeholder in the sector, condemned the attacks and praised Ojulari’s tenure as the most transparent to date. Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April, Ojulari has instituted monthly releases of audited financial statements, demonstrating his commitment to openness.
Dairu urged President Tinubu to ignore calls for Ojulari’s removal, citing positive performance indicators such as fuel stability and increased investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. He views the smear campaign as a desperate attempt to undermine NNPC reforms and discredit President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The controversy emerges amid recent government changes, including the dismissal of Fegho Umunubo, the presidential special adviser on the digital and creative economy in the Vice President’s office. Dairu’s statement emphasizes the need for President Tinubu to stay committed to NNPC reforms despite pressure from detractors.
Under Ojulari’s leadership, NNPCL has undergone significant changes focused on transparency and accountability, with the monthly audited financial releases seen as a positive step toward reform. As the dispute over Ojulari continues, it remains uncertain how President Tinubu will respond to calls for his removal. The situation highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, including the influence of powerful cabals and the urgent need for reforms. The outcome will have far‑reaching implications for the sector and the country, while the international community watches Nigeria balance reform efforts with pressure from various stakeholders.
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