- Says I’m not a politician, my life under threat
BY EDMOND ODOK – The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National PC Ltd., Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari, says the company is under attack from those who do not mean well for Nigeria and are against the ongoing reform efforts within the nation’s oil giant.
This is as Ojulari also declared that though not a politician, he may certainly have to learn a bit more about politics to survive in the industry.
Speaking when a delegation from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), led by Comrade President Festus Osifo, visited him at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday, Ojulari said because change always comes with a price, the NNPC management will not succumb to any loathsome attack.
With a promise that the NNPCL will always work for the larger interest of Nigerians, Ojulari said, “We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians. You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough.”
On his claims of not being a politician, the NNPCL boss said, “I’m not hiding from anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but for me, it is a development plan, and I’m ready to learn.”
He hinted that the oil firm is working to revive moribund refineries to operate at full capacity, adding that the management is considering adopting the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model.
Also, the NNPCL boss raised concerns over threats to his life and those of some members of the company’s management.
According to him, his major “offence” was the reforms he introduced in the oil and gas sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to revive the country’s ailing refineries, adding that some powerful interests were plotting to unseat him.
Ojulari further said that despite attempts to intimidate him, he remained focused on ensuring the success of the refinery rehabilitation plan.
An official statement by the company quoted the GCEO as saying that patience will be required from the Nigerian people at large to get to the other side of change, which will benefit Nigeria and her citizens.
While reiterating his commitment to stay focused in driving the presidential mandate given to the team, Ojulari praised the PENGASSAN leadership for its support, assuring them to stay calm, build resilience and remain focused during these trying times.
He said, “I am overwhelmed with the support from the Union executives present here. The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win”, adding since coming on board about five months ago, the management team has prioritised reviving the nation’s refineries in order to put them back into more sustainable and profitable venture by considering the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model.
“Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are looking at the baseline to ensure whatever we are doing, the refineries work sustainably going forward. We don’t want to pretend and just do some quick fix because there is pressure on us”, the NNPCL Chief Executive said.
Speaking earlier, the PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, said they came to appreciate the NNPC Management for its partnership during the recently held 2025 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja.
The Union, which also acknowledged the “remarkable milestones” recorded so far under the GCEO’s watch, said, “Our pipelines are now working. Also, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production.
“As PENGASSAN, we assure you that we are solidly behind you. We will work with you and collaborate with your team to ensure the stability of the system for the benefit of all Nigerians”.
