Bashir Bayo Ojulari’s appointment as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) marks a significant turning point for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This historic change comes as part of President Bola Tinubu’s comprehensive reform strategy aimed at increasing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, and revitalizing the nation’s energy landscape.
A Distinguished Career in the Energy Sector
Bashir Bayo Ojulari
Ojulari hails from Kwara State and is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His academic background laid a robust foundation for a career characterized by technical excellence and innovative leadership. He began his journey in the oil industry with Elf Petroleum Nigeria as a Fields and Process Engineer. This early experience was crucial, as it allowed him to break new ground as one of the first Nigerians to work in this capacity, setting the stage for his future achievements.
In November 1991, Bashir Bayo Ojulari joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as an Associate Production Technologist. His tenure at Shell spanned over two decades during which he held several key roles that combined technical expertise with strategic management. From positions in production technology and corporate planning to roles that saw him working across Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East, Ojulari’s career at Shell was marked by continuous progression and responsibility. His ability to navigate complex operational challenges and implement innovative solutions earned him widespread respect within the industry.
Ascending to Leadership at Shell
Bashir Bayo Ojulari’s career trajectory at Shell was both inspiring and transformative. He steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) in 2015. Under his leadership, SNEPCo not only streamlined its operations but also made significant strides in technology and efficiency improvements. His strategic vision and operational expertise helped to strengthen the company’s competitive position, making it one of the leading players in Nigeria’s oil and gas market.
After a successful career spanning more than 24 years at Shell, Ojulari retired in 2021. However, his passion for the industry did not wane. He ventured into entrepreneurship by founding BAT Advisory and Energy Company Nigeria Ltd, a consultancy focused on the energy sector. Later, in January 2024, he took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company. In this capacity, he was instrumental in orchestrating a landmark $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s onshore assets by a consortium of indigenous energy firms—a move that underscored his commitment to boosting local content and empowering Nigerian stakeholders in the global energy arena.
A New Mandate at NNPCL
The restructuring of NNPCL’s board, announced on April 2, 2025, signals a renewed focus on efficiency and strategic growth. President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Bashir Bayo Ojularias GCEO comes amid a broader overhaul of the company’s leadership structure. The previous leadership had faced significant challenges, including allegations of inefficiency and mismanagement. By placing Ojulari at the helm, the administration aims to leverage his extensive experience and proven track record to usher in a new era of accountability and innovation.
As the new GCEO, Bashir Bayo Ojulari has been charged with several critical objectives. One of his primary tasks is to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPCL-operated and joint venture assets. This review is expected to realign the company’s operations with the nation’s long-term value maximization objectives. Additionally, the government has set ambitious production targets—aiming to boost oil output to 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million barrels per day by 2030, along with significant enhancements in gas production and refining capacity. Ojulari’s leadership will be pivotal in driving these initiatives forward.
Vision for a Revitalized Energy Sector
Bashir Bayo Ojulari’s appointment represents more than a change in leadership; it is a clear signal of Nigeria’s commitment to transforming its energy sector. With decades of hands-on experience, he is uniquely positioned to implement reforms that will address long-standing inefficiencies. His deep technical knowledge, coupled with his strategic vision, suggests that he is well-prepared to modernize NNPCL’s operations and integrate advanced technological solutions to reduce downtime and increase productivity.
One of the key elements of his vision is to restore investor confidence. By implementing transparent governance practices and reinforcing operational discipline, Ojulari intends to attract both domestic and international investments into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Furthermore, his emphasis on boosting local content is expected to foster a more inclusive industry environment where Nigerian companies and professionals have greater opportunities to participate in and benefit from the nation’s natural resource wealth.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite his impressive credentials, Bashir Bayo Ojularifaces a challenging road ahead. NNPCL has long been plagued by issues such as bureaucratic inertia, corruption, and operational inefficiencies. Moreover, the global energy landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, with increasing pressure to diversify energy sources and embrace renewable technologies. These challenges, however, also present unique opportunities for a leader of his caliber. His ability to manage complex projects and drive strategic change is seen as a key asset that could help turn these challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
Related: BREAKING! Tinubu Sacks NNPC Limited Boss, Kyari, Reshuffles Board
A Symbol of National Renewal
In many ways, Bashir Bayo Ojulari embodies the spirit of renewal that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector desperately needs. His career has been a testament to perseverance, innovation, and leadership in a highly competitive and dynamic industry. As he takes on the role of GCEO at NNPCL, there is a palpable sense of optimism that under his guidance, the state oil company will evolve into a more efficient, transparent, and profitable enterprise.
The appointment of Ojulari is not just about revitalizing a single company; it is about laying the groundwork for a broader economic transformation. By harnessing his expertise, the government aims to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, thereby driving economic growth, enhancing energy security, and improving the overall quality of life for Nigerians.
Conclusion
Bashir Bayo Ojulari’s rise to the helm of NNPCL marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s energy history. With a career defined by innovation, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence, he is well-equipped to lead the nation’s flagship oil company into a future of enhanced operational efficiency and renewed global competitiveness. As Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey, Ojulari’s leadership stands as a beacon of hope and progress—a promise of a revitalized energy sector that can drive the country toward a more prosperous tomorrow.
