Amid swirling rumours of his resignation, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, made a public appearance on Monday, August 4, 2025, participating virtually in an official engagement — signaling continuity in his role despite the speculations.
NNPC GCEO Ojulari’s appearance was during an event organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigerian Council, which held earlier this week. Although he did not attend physically, the NNPCL boss delivered his contribution virtually, reaffirming his ongoing involvement in official duties.
This development comes just days after media reports and insider whispers suggested that Ojulari may have tendered his resignation. However, as of press time, there has been no official statement from the Presidency or the NNPCL regarding the rumoured resignation. The absence of any formal clarification had sparked speculation across industry and political circles.
Ojulari’s last known physical engagement was a town hall meeting held at the NNPCL Towers in Abuja, where he addressed staff on key achievements, ongoing reforms, and operational priorities. His continued involvement in Monday’s virtual event may now serve to douse the flames of uncertainty.
Engr. Ojulari assumed office as the GCEO of NNPCL on April 2, 2025, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as part of a strategic shake-up of the company’s board and executive structure. He succeeded Mele Kyari, whose tenure ended during a major leadership overhaul aimed at repositioning the state-owned energy giant.
To mark his first 100 days in office, NNPCL released a performance review earlier in the week, highlighting Ojulari’s significant achievements. The company praised his leadership for delivering key wins across vital areas such as upstream partnerships, energy transition, pipeline infrastructure, transparency reforms, and employee welfare.
A statement from the NNPCL read, “We are pleased to announce a key milestone as NNPC Ltd. progresses under the leadership of the Group CEO, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari. The report card is out, and the first 100 days of the Group CEO is a testament to steadfast commitment and forward movement.”
According to the report, Ojulari’s administration ensured 100 per cent pipeline availability—a critical metric for stable crude oil exports and revenue assurance. The company also noted progress in refinery rehabilitation efforts, deepened collaboration with industry stakeholders, and improved corporate governance frameworks.
Despite these achievements, industry watchers remain alert. The speculation over Ojulari’s resignation may stem from internal pressures or political manoeuvrings that often accompany leadership shifts in Nigeria’s state-owned enterprises.
Some analysts suggest that Ojulari’s apparent silence and absence from recent high-profile physical events may have fueled rumours. Others argue that the GCEO may be navigating sensitive issues internally and choosing to maintain a low profile temporarily.
However, his virtual presence at the SPE event is being interpreted by many as a subtle yet clear message that he remains at the helm of affairs—at least for now.
If Ojulari remains in office, the focus will return to how he intends to sustain momentum in NNPCL’s reform journey, especially in light of Nigeria’s volatile oil sector, global energy transition demands, and mounting domestic fuel infrastructure challenges.
On the other hand, if the rumours of resignation are later confirmed, it could trigger yet another shake-up within the oil sector, potentially impacting investor confidence and policy continuity.
For now, industry stakeholders and the public await an official word—either from the Presidency or from Ojulari himself—on the status of his leadership.