1. Early Life and Background
Bayo Ojulari hails from Kwara State, a region known for its cultural diversity, blending Yoruba, Fulani, and Hausa influences. He was raised in a family that prioritised education. He likely completed his early schooling in Ilorin before proceeding to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Mechanical Engineering from 1985 to 1989.
2. Education and Early Career
Ojulari’s time at Ahmadu Bello University laid the foundation for his engineering career. Upon graduation, he joined Elf Aquitaine, a French oil company, as a process engineer. He was the first Nigerian to occupy this role, gaining early exposure to international oil operations and refining his technical expertise in petroleum processing.
3. Personal Life and Values
Ojulari prioritises family and enjoys small home parties with loved ones. He keeps fit with regular walking or jogging and values rest, despite challenges with sleep. He also takes time to recharge, such as on a recent safari in East Africa. A people’s person, Ojulari is outgoing yet introspective, always working on his strengths. Few know his love for music and dancing, which he enjoys when unwinding.
4. Career Growth at Shell
In 1991, he moved to Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, where he held key positions in petroleum engineering, production, and safety management. Over two decades, he worked across Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East, acquiring a global perspective on the oil and gas industry. His leadership capabilities saw him rise to senior positions such as Field Manager and General Manager, overseeing billion-dollar projects and shaping Shell’s operations in Nigeria.
5. Leadership at Shell’s Deepwater Operations
Ojulari’s expertise earned him the role of Managing Director at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) in 2015. Under his leadership, SNEPCo managed Nigeria’s deepwater oil fields, including the massive Bonga field. His tenure focused on increasing production, improving operational safety, and enhancing Nigerian participation in the oil sector. He also played a crucial role in revitalising underperforming projects, such as Bonga South West Aparo.
6. Technical Expertise and Industry Influence
Recognised for his technical proficiency, Ojulari is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and has served on the board of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. His contributions to the industry include advancements in oil recovery techniques and improvements in safety standards, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in the sector. He has also been actively involved in mentoring young engineers, emphasising the importance of capacity building for the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.
7. Recent Role at Renaissance Africa Energy
Before his appointment at NNPCL, Ojulari was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in a $2.4 billion acquisition deal for Shell’s onshore assets in Nigeria, demonstrating his ability to execute complex business transactions and attract investment to the country’s oil industry. His involvement in the transaction showcased his strategic vision for Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape and his capability to navigate industry shifts.
8. Appointment as NNPCL GCEO
On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, succeeding Mele Kyari. His mandate includes boosting Nigeria’s oil production, enhancing refining capacity, and positioning NNPCL as a globally competitive energy company. His appointment has sparked both optimism and debate, with industry stakeholders closely watching his next moves. Analysts believe his extensive international experience could be key in repositioning NNPCL for long-term sustainability.
With a career built on expertise, leadership, and international experience, Ojulari steps into this crucial role at a transformative time for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The industry will be watching closely to see how he steers NNPCL towards a more sustainable and globally competitive future.
