Embattled NNPCL boss Ojulari storms key meeting amid resignation rumour

• Embattled NNPCL boss Bayo Ojulari made a surprise virtual appearance at a key oil industry event amid widespread rumours of his resignation
• Ojulari delivered a keynote speech via Zoom at the Society of Petroleum Engineers' conference, marking his first public engagement since the rumours began
• Neither the presidency nor NNPCL has officially confirmed or denied his alleged sack, deepening uncertainty around the company’s leadership

Amid swirling rumours of his resignation, Bayo Ojulari, the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), made a surprise appearance at a major industry event on Monday.

Ojulari, who has been at the centre of unconfirmed reports suggesting his sack by the presidency, was sighted at the annual conference of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigerian Council), held in Lagos.

Although he did not appear in person, a video shared by participants and obtained by Daily Trust confirmed that Ojulari joined the session virtually and delivered a keynote address via Zoom.

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First public appearance since exit rumours

Ojulari’s participation in the conference marks his first public engagement since speculation began about his removal from office under unclear circumstances.

According to industry sources, the last official record of his activities was a town hall meeting held with NNPCL staff at the corporation’s headquarters in Abuja. That meeting, which took place last week, was also confirmed in a company statement released on Wednesday.

No official statement yet from presidency or NNPCL

Despite the rumours, neither the presidency nor the NNPCL has issued a formal statement to confirm or deny Ojulari’s exit.

This continued silence has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the company’s leadership.

Speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, August 10, Professor Goni, tackled the appointment of Ojulari saying:

"In the unforgiving chessboard of Nigerian politics, victory is rarely claimed in the open. It is secured in the shadows through whispers, calculated delays, and the sudden placement of pieces where the opponent least expects them.

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"The recent appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is not an accident, nor is it a mere bureaucratic decision. It is, in every sense, a political ambush masterminded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and executed with the precision of a grandmaster cornering his rival’s king."

He further alleged that “Atiku’s fingerprints are all over this manoeuvre”, describing it as a move that demonstrated “an audacity that even seasoned observers find astonishing.”

The analyst claimed that by placing Ojulari in the NNPCL leadership,

“Atiku has put a trusted hand on the spigot of Nigeria’s petroleum wealth – the single most critical lever in shaping the country’s economic and political fortunes.”

According to them, this represented “influence without portfolio, control without visibility… the sort of move that can shift electoral tides without a single campaign poster.”

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They added that the appointment was executed under the nose of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “a man long regarded as one of the most astute political tacticians in Nigeria.”

He argued that “Tinubu built his reputation on spotting and neutralising threats early, yet in this case, Atiku’s move slipped through undetected until it was too late.”

NNPC shares 100 achievements under Ojulari

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that NNPC released the achievements of Ojulari after his first 100+ days in office.

The company said that under Ojulari’s leadership, there have been improvements in production, cost control, transparency, and clean energy.

The NNPC noted that under his leadership, the company has been able to deepen collaboration with upstream partners, achieving growth in oil and gas production while maintaining 100% pipeline availability.

Source: Legit.ng