President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, replacing Mele Kyari. This leadership change, effective April 2, 2025, also comes with the dissolution of the company’s board, including Chairman Pius Akinyelure.
In a statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the appointment and the reconstitution of an 11-member board. Ahmadu Musa Kida has been appointed as the new non-executive chairman, while Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Ajiya as Chief Financial Officer last year, has now been confirmed as a board member.
The board now includes six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones:
- Bello Rabiu (North West)
- Yusuf Usman (North East)
- Babs Omotowa (North Central)
- Austin Avuru (South-South)
- David Ige (South West)
- Henry Obih (South East)
Additionally, Lydia Shehu Jafiya will represent the Federal Ministry of Finance, while Aminu Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
History of NNPCL’s Leadership Since 1977
Since its establishment in 1977, the leadership of NNPCL has played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The company has transitioned through multiple phases, from a state-owned enterprise to a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Each leader has faced unique challenges, from oil price volatility to regulatory changes and the push for energy diversification.
Below is a timeline of the company’s past Group Managing Directors (GMDs) and Group Chief Executive Officers (GCEOs):
- R.A. Marinho (1977 – 1980): The first head of NNPC, laying its early foundations.
- Odiligi Lolomari (1980 – 1981): Led the company through its first significant restructuring.
- Lawrence Amu (1981 – 1985): Oversaw key oil exploration projects.
- Aret Adams (1985 – 1990): Focused on upstream sector expansion.
- Dr. Thomas John (1990): Briefly acted in the role.
- Edmund Daukoru (1992 – 1993): Strengthened Nigeria’s position in OPEC.
- Chamberlin Oyibo (1993 – 1995): Managed production growth efforts.
- Dalhatu Bayero (1995 – 1999): Navigated policy shifts under military rule.
- Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki (1999 – 2003): Advocated for oil sector reforms.
- Funsho Kupolokun (2003 – 2007): Drove investment in downstream infrastructure.
- Abubakar Yar’Adua (2007 – 2009): Led during the global financial crisis.
- Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo (2009 – 2010): Later became OPEC Secretary-General.
- Shehu Ladan (April – May 2010): Had a short tenure.
- Augustine Oniwon (2010 – 2012): Strengthened refining operations.
- Andrew Yakubu (2012 – 2014): Focused on production optimisation.
- Dr. Joseph Dawha (2014 – 2015): Navigated market downturns.
- Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (2015 – 2016): Led initial reforms before becoming Minister of State for Petroleum.
- Dr. Maikanti Baru (2016 – 2019): Oversaw significant pipeline projects.
- Mele Kyari (2019 – 2025): Transitioned NNPC into NNPCL under the PIA.
- Bashir Bayo Ojulari (2025 – Present): Now tasked with steering NNPCL into its next phase.
Challenges and Future Prospects
NNPCL has faced many challenges over the years, including crude oil theft, subsidy reforms, and global energy transitions. Under Mele Kyari, the company became a commercial entity, removing government control over operations. Ojulari’s leadership now comes at a critical time when Nigeria is looking to boost oil production, refine more products domestically, and attract global investment.
His vast experience in oil exploration, production, and corporate leadership will be instrumental in determining whether NNPCL can become a truly competitive energy company on the global stage.
With these changes, the future of NNPCL will depend on how well its leadership adapts to economic shifts, policy reforms, and global energy trends.
