The Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition (NDEJC) condemned media reports by People’s Gazette alleging the abduction of Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), by operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released Saturday, the coalition described the purported action as a “gestapo-style” operation that smacks of political witch-hunting and risks undermining Nigeria’s nascent economic recovery in the oil and gas sector. “We unequivocally denounce this gestapo-style action by security agencies, which reeks of political witch-hunting and undermines Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery,” the statement read.
“Such reckless and unsubstantiated maneuvers send a dangerously negative signal to foreign investors, who are closely watching Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for signs of stability, transparency, and respect for due process.”
The allegations come at a time when Nigeria’s energy industry is reportedly gaining traction under Ojulari’s leadership, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025. The NDEJC highlighted several achievements attributed to Ojulari in his brief tenure, portraying him as a transformative figure steering the NNPCL toward greater efficiency and transparency.
Among the key accomplishments cited:
- Nigeria’s oil production surpassed OPEC quotas, reaching 1.505 million barrels per day in June 2025, with total oil and condensate output hitting 1.7 million bpd—the highest in recent years.
- The NNPCL remitted over ₦6.96 trillion to the Federation Account in the first five months of 2025, including ₦905 billion in post-tax profits for June.
- Completion of the AKK River Niger Crossing, a critical part of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, advancing gas infrastructure and cleaner energy goals.
- Reinstatement of monthly financial and operational reports, last published consistently in 2021, alongside a “No to Value Loss” policy aimed at cost-cutting and operational efficiency.
- A strategic review of aging refineries, including commitments to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt Refinery and pursue technical partnerships.
- Donation of 35 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to support affordable, eco-friendly transportation.
- Prior experience leading a $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company assets at Renaissance Africa Energy Company, enhancing indigenous participation in the sector.
The coalition emphasized that these milestones, achieved in just over 100 days, have positioned the NNPCL as a “commercially driven, globally competitive energy company.” Ojulari’s background, including his role in Shell Nigeria’s Bonga deepwater project where he reportedly cut costs by 30% and boosted production by 20%, was also praised for demonstrating “unmatched expertise and integrity.”
The statement framed the alleged abduction as “not only a direct attack on his person but a calculated attempt to sabotage Nigeria’s energy renaissance and destabilize an institution critical to the nation’s economy.” It warned that such moves could alienate foreign investors by portraying Nigeria as a place where “arbitrary actions supersede the rule of law,” especially given the sector’s role in generating 90% of exports and half of national revenues.
The NDEJC called on President Tinubu to intervene urgently, urging him to “call these security agencies to order” to protect his “Renewed Hope” agenda. “Nigeria’s oil and gas sector… cannot afford such disruptions at a time when global energy markets demand reliability and trust,” the statement said.
Additionally, the group appealed to stakeholders, including civil society, industry players, and government agencies, to end “infighting and bickering” in the sector. Quoting Ojulari, it noted: “Nobody wins when the family feuds.” Instead, it advocated redirecting efforts toward production targets, transparency, and sustainable development aligned with global environmental, social, and governance standards.
The coalition demanded an immediate investigation into the reports, the release of any detained individuals, and a commitment from security agencies to uphold due process. “This alleged abduction is not just a setback for NNPCL but a grave disservice to the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large,” the statement concluded, vowing to monitor the situation and mobilize peaceful actions if needed.
Signed: Comrade Abalagha Adawari, spokesperson for the NDEJC.
