The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on Engr. Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to champion transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms as he assumes leadership of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Ojulari officially took office on Friday following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He now faces the task of steering the NNPCL at a critical juncture for the nation’s economy.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society and anti-corruption organization acknowledged Ojulari’s appointment and outlined a five-point agenda for his leadership.
Suraju stressed the need for transparency in contracting processes and financial disclosures, urging alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He also called for robust anti-corruption measures, including independent audits and investigations into longstanding issues such as crude oil theft, procurement fraud, operational inefficiencies, and environmental degradation caused by oil corporations.
“This is a pivotal moment for the NNPCL to demonstrate its commitment to good governance and national interest,” Suraju stated, emphasizing the urgency of reforms.
HEDA further urged Ojulari to prioritize the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery, to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and enhance energy security. The organization also underscored the need for environmental accountability, advocating justice and remediation for host communities affected by oil exploration.
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HEDA cautioned against political interference in the NNPCL’s operations, warning that undue influence could undermine progress and national interest. The group called on President Tinubu, as the Petroleum Minister, to champion and sustain holistic reforms that would position the corporation as a globally competitive and transparent entity.
Ojulari’s appointment, succeeding Mele Kyari, has elicited mixed reactions from industry stakeholders. HEDA reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring developments and engaging with stakeholders to ensure accountability and sustainable growth in the sector.
