NNPC Ltd Seeks Partnership For World-Class Operations For Refinery Revival ~ Ojulari
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has disclosed that the company is engaging partners with proven expertise in refining and petrochemical operations to deliver sustainable, self-financing, and profitable solutions for Nigeria’s refineries.
Ojulari made this known while responding to questions during a fireside chat themed “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future at NIES 2026” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to him, past efforts at revamping the nation’s refineries were largely driven by a focus on financing and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) delivery, but the strategy has now evolved to prioritise operational excellence and 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,” Ojulari said.
He added that NNPC Ltd is now better positioned to operate as a commercially driven and profitable entity, supported by an ongoing transformation agenda aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future.
Speaking on recent improvements in crude oil theft reduction and pipeline availability, the NNPC Ltd boss attributed the gains to stronger collaboration with upstream operators and a renewed engagement framework built on trust.
“When the current leadership of NNPC Ltd was appointed, we introduced a fundamentally different engagement model with our partners, focused on improving systems and processes to achieve win-win outcomes in production acceleration and contracting,” he explained.
Ojulari also highlighted the Federal Government’s decisive intervention in addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta through a structured surveillance framework, which includes the deployment of AI-enabled technologies and security personnel.
“This has helped stabilise operations, ensure production consistency, and deepen collaboration with host communities through targeted Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that address core social challenges,” he said.
On the recently launched NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026, Ojulari said the company is focused on delivering in-country value through gas utilisation initiatives, describing the plan as a customer-driven strategy designed to stimulate market growth and shared prosperity.
He noted 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.
Commenting on leadership and governance, Ojulari commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the unprecedented inclusion of industry professionals on the NNPC Ltd Board and Senior Management Team, describing it as a strategic move that enhances commercial discipline and global competitiveness.
According to him, the combination of internal expertise, international experience, and a highly skilled workforce positions NNPC Ltd as a commercially viable, performance-driven national energy company capable of delivering value to all stakeholders.
