The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on July 23, 2025, showcased a series of achievements as Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari commemorates 100 days in office, following his appointment on April 2, 2025.
Ojulari, a former Shell Nigeria managing director, has overseen a 5% increase in crude oil production to 1.2 million barrels per day, attributed to intensified anti-theft operations like “Operation Delta Sanity,” which recovered 8.7 million liters of stolen oil in February 2024. The company also reported a 10% reduction in fuel import costs, saving $500 million, and progress on the Port Harcourt refinery, which processed its first crude on November 26, 2024.
Ojulari’s tenure has been marked by efforts to address the NNPC’s $6 billion debt and improve transparency, with quarterly financials now public. However, critics point to persistent challenges, including the refinery’s operational hiccups requiring frequent maintenance and a reassessment of its sale due to “complications” in revival efforts.
The narrative of success is tempered by skepticism over whether these gains reflect sustainable reform or temporary measures, especially given the company’s historical corruption issues and the $18 billion spent on unrevived state refineries, raising questions about the true efficacy of Ojulari’s leadership.