President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), ushering in a fresh chapter for the nation’s oil industry.
Ojulari steps into the role following the tenure of Mele Kyari, who led the company since 2019.
A Strong Academic and Professional Foundation
Hailing from Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, Ojulari holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
His expertise in the energy sector is backed by decades of experience, making him well-positioned to lead NNPC into a new era of growth and transformation.
Before his appointment, Ojulari served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, the firm that recently acquired Shell Nigeria Limited.
Under his leadership, Renaissance spearheaded a historic $2.4 billion deal, securing full ownership of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).
A Career Rooted in Oil and Gas Excellence
Ojulari’s journey in the oil sector began at Elf Aquitaine, where he made history as Nigeria’s first process engineer.
He later joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. in 1991 as an associate production technologist.
His career has taken him across Europe and the Middle East, where he worked in various capacities, including petroleum process engineering, strategic planning, field development, and asset management.
In 2015, he rose to the position of Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO), solidifying his reputation as a leader in the oil and gas industry.
Beyond his corporate engagements, he has also contributed to professional development as chairman and board trustee member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
A New Era for NNPC
Ojulari’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria seeks to optimize its energy sector and navigate the evolving global oil landscape.
He will work alongside NNPC’s new board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, who replaces Pius Akinyelure. With his extensive experience and strategic insight, Ojulari is expected to steer NNPC toward greater efficiency and sustainability.
His leadership marks a shift in the company’s direction, reflecting the government’s commitment to restructuring and innovation in the petroleum sector.
As he takes on this role, all eyes will be on how he leverages his expertise to drive Nigeria’s oil industry forward.
