In a significant leadership transition at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), officially handed over the reins to his successor, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, on Friday, 4 April 2025. The handover ceremony, held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s state owned oil giant, amid expectations of continuity and reform.
According to multiple reports from credible sources, and the NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the brief but symbolic ceremony underscored a smooth transition. President Bola Tinubu announced Ojulari’s appointment on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, replacing Kyari and dissolving the previous board in a sweeping reconstitution of the company’s leadership.
During the handover, Ojulari, a seasoned petroleum engineer with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of NNPCL and his service to the nation. “I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari reportedly told Kyari, signalling his intent to build on his predecessor’s achievements while addressing the challenges ahead.
Kyari, who had led NNPCL since 2019, congratulated Ojulari and expressed gratitude to the management and staff for their support during his tenure. Kyari’s leadership was marked by efforts to reform, enhance profitability, and improve transparency, though the company has faced criticism over systemic issues such as mismanagement and inefficiency.
The new GCEO, often referred to as Bashir Bayo Ojulari in official statements, brings a wealth of expertise to the role. Prior to his appointment, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company, where he played a key role in a landmark $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) equity. His background in petroleum economics, crude oil marketing, and representation at the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) positions him as a strategic leader for Nigeria’s energy sector.
In addition to Ojulari’s appointment, NNPCL announced a new eight-member senior management team. Rowland Ewubare was named Group Chief Operating Officer, Adedapo Segun as Group Chief Financial Officer, and Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President of Gas, Power & New Energy. This restructuring reflects President Tinubu’s vision to revitalise the corporation, which is critical to Nigeria’s economy as the country’s largest oil producer.
The leadership change has generated significant attention, users and analysts have debated the implications for Nigeria’s oil industry, with some expressing optimism about Ojulari’s experience, while others remain cautious about the challenges of reforming a corporation long plagued by operational and governance issues.
This transition comes at a pivotal time for NNPCL, as Nigeria seeks to boost oil production, attract investment, and address energy security concerns. Ojulari’s pledge to consolidate on Kyari’s achievements, combined with his extensive industry knowledge, suggests a focus on stability and strategic growth. However, the new GCEO will face pressure to deliver results amid high expectations from both the government and the public.
The handover ceremony, witnessed by key stakeholders, was described as cordial, with Kyari assuring Ojulari of his availability for guidance. “I pledged to do everything within my power to support the new management to succeed,” Kyari was quoted as saying by SolaceBase and other outlets.
As Nigeria navigates its role in the global energy market, the appointment of Bashir Ojulari as GCEO of NNPCL is seen as a move to inject fresh leadership into an institution central to the nation’s economic fortunes. Further developments are expected as Ojulari outlines his strategic vision in the coming days.
