By Deborah Nnamdi
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has raised the alarm over threats to his life and those of the company’s management staff.
Ojulari disclosed this on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the threats stem from ongoing reforms he is implementing in the oil and gas sector, in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to revive Nigeria’s ailing refineries. He alleged that certain powerful individuals opposed to the reforms are plotting to oust him.
“My offence is that I’m committed to turning around the moribund refineries. Some forces are not comfortable with the changes we’re driving and are doing everything to remove me,” he said.
Ojulari noted that despite the intimidation, the management remains resolute in its efforts to restore the refineries to full operational capacity. He added that the company is considering adopting a model similar to that of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Addressing PENGASSAN’s concerns on organizational stability and progress in the oil sector, Ojulari assured the union of his unwavering commitment to delivering on the company’s mandate.
“I’m not hiding from anyone. I’m not a politician, but I know I must learn some aspects of politics. For me, this is a development journey, and I’m ready to see it through,” he added.
