His appointment on April 2, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marked a significant shift in NNPC’s leadership structure. It followed a sweeping board overhaul that saw the exit of former GCEO Mele Kyari, board chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure, and several directors appointed in late 2023.
Abuja, Nigeria — The newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bashir Ojulari, has unveiled a bold strategy to attract $60 billion in investments into Nigeria’s oil and gas industry by the end of the decade. As part of a phased roadmap, Ojulari aims to secure $30 billion by 2027, setting the stage for an accelerated energy transformation in Africa’s largest economy.
Ojulari’s investment agenda was announced during a town hall meeting with NNPC staff in Abuja, where he emphasized a new era of performance, innovation, and accountability for the national oil company. “We stand at the threshold of transformation. This is the time to translate our ambitions into action,” he declared.
Under the new leadership, NNPC Ltd. is expected to undergo a comprehensive restructuring to boost operational agility and value delivery. Ojulari emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions, independent value assessments, and a robust performance management system to reposition the company as a globally competitive energy player.
At the heart of the transformation is a strategic focus on boosting crude oil output. Ojulari revealed that NNPC aims to sustain oil production above two million barrels per day (bpd) through 2027, with plans to hit three million bpd by 2030. This push aligns with the broader national objective of ensuring energy security and maximizing hydrocarbon potential.
On refining, the GCEO outlined aggressive capacity expansion plans to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products. The company intends to raise domestic refining capacity to 200,000 bpd by 2027 and further scale up to 500,000 bpd by 2030, paving the way for energy self-sufficiency.
In the gas sector, Ojulari is steering NNPC toward substantial growth. He projected gas production would increase to 10 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) by 2027 and expand to 12 bcf/d by 2030. The initiative aligns with the government’s Decade of Gas agenda and supports the shift toward cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond operations, Ojulari is focused on internal transformation. He pledged to create a work environment that fosters talent development, inclusion, and collaboration. “Our success will be powered by empowered employees,” he noted, promising a culture that encourages both seasoned professionals and young talents to thrive.
He also stressed the importance of building transparent and strategic partnerships—both locally and internationally—to reclaim NNPC Ltd.’s image as a progressive, forward-looking energy company. These targets, according to Ojulari, are more than just statistics—they represent job creation, industrial expansion, and economic hope for millions of Nigerians.
Ojulari also committed to strengthening engagement with staff unions and promoting a workplace culture rooted in integrity, mutual respect, and shared goals. “Leadership must be purposeful, and every staff member must act with urgency and dedication to our collective vision,” he said.
His appointment on April 2, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marked a significant shift in NNPC’s leadership structure. It followed a sweeping board overhaul that saw the exit of former GCEO Mele Kyari, board chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure, and several directors appointed in late 2023.
Before assuming office, Ojulari built a distinguished career at Shell and later transitioned into the private energy sector, where he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas development.
With a blend of experience, reformist zeal, and a clear roadmap, Ojulari’s tenure promises to redefine the trajectory of NNPC Ltd. and Nigeria’s energy future.
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