Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has made his first public appearance following widespread reports suggesting he had been sacked or forced to resign.
Dockaysworld reports that Ojulari spoke virtually at an event organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Lagos, where he delivered a keynote address on energy justice and Africa’s transition agenda.
Though he made no mention of the swirling speculation, his participation signalled that he remains at the helm of the national oil company.
Reports over the weekend claimed Ojulari had been interrogated by security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), over alleged legacy transactions involving Gbolahan Obanikoro, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Some accounts suggested that internal concerns within the Presidency had placed Ojulari’s position “under review.”
Despite the controversy, Ojulari appeared focused on his duties.
“The energy transition must not be imposed. It must be negotiated, contextualised. There is a need for natural gas to remain a key transitional fuel for the continent. We cannot ignore the reality that millions in Africa still lack basic energy access,” he stated during his speech.
He called for a balanced approach that advances climate goals while ensuring inclusive energy access across Africa.
