By Gift Ishaq, Abuja
The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr Bashir Ojulari, has raised the alarm that his life and that of the management staff are under serious threat on the grounds of the transformation efforts at the state oil firm.
According to Ojulari, his major offence is the reforms he has introduced in the oil and gas sector in line with the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu to turn around the moribund refinery.
The NNPCL boss also expressed fears that some powerful elements are plotting to remove him from his seat, saying that they are enemies of Nigeria and would not succeed.
He further disclosed that the leadership of the NNPCL is under attack from people who don’t mean well for Nigeria and who are against the ongoing reforms in the company.
Ojulari raised the alarm on Thursday when he received the delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the company’s headquarters in Abuja
He said, “ We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians. You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough.
Ojulari emphasised that patience will be required from the Nigerian people at large to get to the other side of change, which will benefit Nigeria and her citizens.
Thanking the leadership of PENGASSAN for its support, Ojulari assured them to stay calm, build resilience and stay focused during these trials.
“I am overwhelmed with the support from the union executives present here. The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win,” he added.
Ojulari said since coming on board about five months ago, his Management Team prioritised reviving the nation’s refineries in order to put them back into more sustainable and profitable venture by considering the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model.
He said, “Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are looking at the baseline to ensure whatever we are doing, the refineries work sustainably going forward. We don’t want to pretend and just do some quick fix because there is pressure on us.”
The President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, had earlier in his address, said the oil workers union came to thank the NNPC Management for its partnership during the recently held 2025 PENGASSAN Energy & Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja.
The PENGASSAN boss also acknowledged the “remarkable milestones” recorded so far under Ojulari’s watch.
He said, “Our pipelines are now working. Also, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production. As PENGASSAN, we assure you that we are solidly behind you. We will work with you and collaborate with your team to ensure the stability of the system for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
, Bashir Ojulari, on Thursday, raised the alarm){kind=link}