Lawmaker Odianosen Okojie has congratulated Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and his team on their appointment.
As Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Midstream), Okojie emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interest in Ojulari’s new role. “Your assignment is a call to the service of your fatherland, and I urge you to be guided by national interest in the discharge of this duty,” Okojie stated.
With Ojulari’s wealth of experience in critical segments of the industry, Okojie expressed confidence in his ability to lead the oil and gas sector effectively. The lawmaker expects Ojulari to improve crude oil production, addressing revenue shortages experienced by successive governments. “Given the undeniable fact that oil remains the cornerstone of our economy, no effort should be spared in making the industry operate at an optimal level,” he emphasized.
Okojie also acknowledged the achievements of former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari, including the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), resuscitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, and security of the nation’s oil and gas assets. “I wish you the best in your future endeavors,” Okojie wished Kyari.
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has also weighed in on Ojulari’s appointment, urging him to prioritize transparency and accountability in NNPCL’s operations. NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, emphasized the importance of timely publication of financial statements, full disclosure of production data, and revenue remittances to rebuild public trust.
Ojulari’s appointment follows President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace Kyari as NNPCL’s GCEO, amid efforts to revamp Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The change in leadership is being closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as Nigeria seeks to reposition its oil and gas sector amid global energy transitions and economic pressures.
