The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Ojulari, has disclosed that the company is currently facing strong resistance from forces working against its ongoing transformation agenda.
Ojulari raised the concern on Thursday when he received the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. He explained that the pushback was expected, given the scale of reforms underway, but assured that neither he nor his management team would yield to pressure or allow setbacks to derail their mission.
“We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians,” the NNPC boss declared. “You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough. But we will stay the course, because at the end, it is Nigerians who will benefit.”
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Having spent less than five months in office, Ojulari highlighted that his administration has prioritized reviving Nigeria’s refineries with a focus on sustainability and long-term profitability, as opposed to adopting quick-fix approaches.
He pointed to the adoption of the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model as one of the strategies being deployed to restore the nation’s refining capacity and ensure long-lasting results.
“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,” Ojulari emphasized, stressing the importance of patience and resilience in the reform process.
The NNPC GCEO attributed the attacks on the corporation to individuals and groups working against Nigeria’s interest, describing their actions as deliberate attempts to derail progress. “The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win,” he assured. “I am overwhelmed with the support from the union executives present here. We must stay calm, build resilience, and remain focused during these trials.”
In his response, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, praised the NNPC leadership for recording what he described as “remarkable milestones” in a short period. He noted that the union was particularly pleased with the improvements in pipeline security and the reduction in crude oil theft, which has resulted in increased production and restored confidence in the sector.
“Our pipelines are now working. Also, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production,” Osifo said. “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.”
He added that the courtesy visit also served as an avenue to thank NNPC for its partnership during the recently concluded 2025 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja, which reinforced the importance of constructive collaboration between labour and management in advancing Nigeria’s energy agenda.
Ojulari, in closing, reiterated that the transformation of NNPC Ltd. extends beyond improving the company’s fortunes. According to him, the reforms are aimed at ensuring sustainable energy security and shared prosperity for Nigerians. He appealed for public patience and collective support, stressing that though the process is challenging, it will ultimately yield long-term benefits for the nation.
