GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari in a chat with Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpenyong, during a fireside chat themed “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future at NIES 2026”, at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while responding to questions during a fireside chat themed “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026.
Ojulari explained that the Company’s renewed approach goes beyond the traditional focus on financing and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) delivery, stressing that NNPC Ltd is now prioritising the right operating model to guarantee long-term sustainability.
“Getting refineries up and running requires three critical elements: financing, a competent EPC contractor, and world-class operational capacity. That is exactly our focus at the moment,” he said.
According to him, NNPC Ltd is now better positioned for commerciality and sustained profitability, driven by its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future.
Speaking on recent improvements in crude oil production, Ojulari attributed the reduction in oil theft and improved pipeline availability to strengthened collaboration with upstream operators and renewed trust across the value chain. He noted that this engagement has boosted investor confidence, commercial outcomes and productivity.
“When the current leadership of NNPC Ltd was appointed, we initiated a fundamentally different engagement model with our partners, focused on improving systems and processes for win-win outcomes in production acceleration and contracting,” he stated.
He further disclosed that decisive intervention by the Federal Government, particularly in addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta, has played a critical role in stabilising operations. According to him, the introduction of a structured surveillance framework, deployment of AI-enabled solutions, and security personnel have helped ensure production consistency while deepening collaboration with host communities through targeted Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
On the recently launched NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026, Ojulari said the Company is firmly focused on delivering in-country value through gas utilisation initiatives. He described the Plan as a customer-driven strategy designed to stimulate market growth and shared prosperity.
The GCEO added that the Gas Master Plan aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which positions natural gas as a key driver of economic growth, industrialisation and energy transition.
Ojulari also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as the unprecedented inclusion of industry experts on the NNPC Ltd Board and Senior Management Team. He said the move has strengthened commercial discipline and enhanced the Company’s global competitiveness.
He concluded that the blend of internal expertise, international experience and a highly skilled workforce places NNPC Ltd on a solid footing as a commercially viable, performance-driven national energy company capable of delivering value to all stakeholders
