The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has alleged that his life and those of some members of the company’s management are under serious threat.
Ojulari raised the alarm on Thursday while receiving a delegation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, at the NNPC headquarters in Abuja.
The claim comes barely 24 hours after a coalition of Niger Delta youth leaders called for his resignation over alleged corruption and mismanagement.
Since his appointment in April 2025, Ojulari has faced multiple allegations, including mismanagement of NNPC funds, fraud, and links to businessman Bashir-Haske, said to be a close associate and in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Critics accuse him of using the businessman to launder billions of naira from the corporation.
Speaking during the meeting, Ojulari said his “offence” was the reforms introduced in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to revive the nation’s moribund refineries.
“This is about the reforms we are introducing. I’m not hiding from anybody. I’m not a politician. I will have to learn a bit more about politics, but this is a development plan for me, and I’m ready to learn,” he said.
He stressed that despite threats to his life and those of his team, he remained committed to ensuring the refineries operate effectively.
Ojulari also reiterated that the company was considering adopting the Nigeria LNG model as part of its strategy to restore the nation’s refineries to full capacity and ensure efficiency and sustainability.
