Meet Bayo Ojulari: Former Managing Director Shell appointed CEO of NNPC

The announcement, made on April 2 by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga, follows a sweeping board overhaul that saw the removal of NNPC’s chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and former GCEO Mele Kyari, along with other board members appointed in November 2023.

Ojulari, an industry veteran with over three decades of experience, is expected to assume office immediately. His appointment comes at a critical juncture for NNPC as the company navigates ongoing energy reforms, production challenges, and Nigeria’s broader economic strategy.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Olujiri’s journey to the pinnacle of the country’s petroleum sector began at Ahmadu Bello University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering in 1989.

Ojulari’s tenure at Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) was marked by transformative leadership.

Beyond operational success, he played a crucial role in renegotiating production-sharing contracts and securing agreements for multibillion-dollar projects.

His ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and commercial negotiations helped secure investment in Nigeria’s offshore oil sector, a critical component of the nation’s economy.

Following his time at Shell, Ojulari transitioned to the private sector, where he continued to influence Nigeria’s energy landscape. In 2021, he founded BAT Advisory & Energy Company Nigeria Ltd, providing strategic consultancy to leading oil and gas firms.

He later took on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company in 2024, focusing on sustainable energy solutions and business growth.

His extensive experience in both corporate and advisory roles positions him uniquely to lead NNPC at a time of evolving global energy policies and increasing pressure to reform Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

As the new head of NNPC, Ojulari faces the daunting task of steering the company through Nigeria’s post-Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) reforms, tackling oil theft, improving production output, and maximizing energy revenues for national development.