- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed the NNPC board, replacing Mele Kyari with Bayo Ojulari as GCEO.
- Ojulari, a veteran in the oil sector, worked at Shell for over 24 years and recently led Renaissance Africa Energy.
- He must tackle NNPC’s corruption issues and align operations with efficiency and growth objectives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). The decision affects Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari and Board Chairman Pius Akinyelure. Tinubu also appointed Bayo Bashir Ojulari as the new GCEO.
Ojulari brings extensive experience as an energy executive. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for decades. His LinkedIn profile states he spent over 24 years at Shell. He held leadership roles, including Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) from 2015 to 2021.
He studied Mechanical Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After graduating, he worked at Elf Petroleum Nigeria. In 1991, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). Over the years, he worked in Nigeria, the Netherlands, and Oman. His roles included planning, asset development, and corporate strategy.
From 2010 to 2015, he served as Shell’s Development Director in Nigeria. Later, he became the Managing Director of SNEPCo. He left Shell in 2021 and founded BAT Advisory and Energy Company Nigeria Ltd. The firm provided consultancy services in the energy sector.
In January 2024, he joined Renaissance Africa Energy Company. He took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Renaissance recently acquired Shell’s 30% stake in the SPDC Joint Venture.
Ojulari now leads NNPC at a crucial time. The company struggles with allegations of corruption and inefficiency. His appointment coincides with Shell’s ongoing divestment of onshore assets in the Niger Delta. His industry expertise will help drive NNPC toward efficiency and growth.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced Tinubu’s directive. The new board must review NNPC’s operated and joint venture assets. The goal is to align operations with value maximisation objectives.
Ojulari faces significant challenges. He must reform NNPC and increase transparency. Nigeria’s energy sector continues to evolve, and his leadership will reshape the company’s future.