Bayo Ojulari, a seasoned engineer and energy executive, has taken on a new challenge as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
On April 2, 2025, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), succeeding Mele Kyari. This strategic decision aims to revitalize Nigeria’s oil sector by improving both production and refining capacities.
Background and Education
Bayo Ojulari hails from Kwara State, Nigeria. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1989. He embarked on his professional journey as the first Nigerian Process Engineer at Elf Aquitaine, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Career at Shell
In 1991, Ojulari joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as an Associate Production Technologist. Over a distinguished 24-year tenure, he advanced through various roles and eventually became the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) in 2015. He served in this capacity until 2021. His career at Shell spanned multiple regions, including Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East. He contributed extensively to petroleum, process, and production engineering, as well as health and safety management.
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Leadership at Renaissance Africa Energy Co.
Following his tenure at Shell, Ojulari took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company. Notably, in 2024, Renaissance spearheaded the $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s former onshore subsidiary in Nigeria. This landmark deal showcased Ojulari’s expertise in strategic leadership and high-stakes energy transactions.
Vision for NNPCL
As the newly appointed GCEO of NNPCL, Ojulari plans to implement reforms that will significantly increase Nigeria’s oil production. The targets include reaching 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million barrels per day by 2030. Refining capacity expansion remains another priority, with projected outputs of 200,000 barrels per day by 2027 and 500,000 barrels per day by 2030. These ambitions persist despite the ongoing challenges associated with refinery maintenance and infrastructure constraints.
Ojulari’s extensive expertise, combined with his strategic vision, will drive NNPCL toward improved efficiency and greater productivity. His leadership will strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a dominant force in Africa’s oil industry.
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