Ojulari, a seasoned engineer and former Shell executive appointed by President Bola Tinubu in April 2025, attributed the dangers to powerful vested interests opposed to his aggressive reforms aimed at revitalizing the nation’s moribund refineries and boosting overall energy security.

Speaking during a high-stakes meeting at NNPCL headquarters in Abuja with a delegation from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, Ojulari did not mince words. 

“I’m under attack, some people are plotting to unseat me,” he stated emphatically, emphasizing that his “offence” stems from implementing President Tinubu’s mandate to overhaul the oil sector. 

“My life and that of the management staff are under serious threat,” he added, revealing the personal risks involved in pushing for transparency, fiscal discipline, and operational efficiency.

He also stated that efforts are ongoing to revive the moribund refineries to operate in full capacity, adding that the management is considering the NLNG module to that effect.

Responding to comments made by the PENGASSAN President on the stability of the NNPCL and stability in the oil sector, he said, despite the threats to his life and the lives of some management staff, he is determined to ensure that the refineries work effectively.

He said: “I’m not hiding to anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but it’s a development plan for me, right? And I’m ready to learn.”