ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has tapped Bashir Bayo Ojulari, a Kwara State native and seasoned petroleum engineer, as the new helmsman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), tasking him with maximizing value and steering a strategic portfolio review.
Ojulari steps into the role of Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Mele Kyari, as part of a broader shakeup that saw the President dissolve the existing board, including Chairman Pius Akinyelure, and reconstitute an 11-member team.
A statement from the President's office emphasized Ojulari's mandate: to immediately conduct a strategic review of NNPCL's assets, ensuring they align with the goal of maximizing value for the nation.
Ojulari's journey in the oil and gas sector began at Shell in 1991, following a stint at Elf Petroleum Nigeria. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks at Shell, holding key positions in Nigeria, the Netherlands, and Oman, before ultimately serving as the Managing Director of SNEPCo from 2015 to 2021.
Prior to his appointment as NNPCL chief, Ojulari established BAT Advisory and Energy Company Nigeria Ltd, providing consultancy services to the energy sector. More recently, he took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company, just a week before his latest appointment.
Now, Ojulari finds himself at the center of Nigeria's oil industry, entrusted with guiding the NNPCL toward a future of enhanced efficiency and value creation.