NNPCL Defends Ojulari After Calls For Removal Over Oil Blocks

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has defended its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, after fresh calls for his removal over allegations linked to oil-block awards.

The company said it welcomed public scrutiny but insisted that Ojulari’s performance should be assessed against production and operational data, not claims around a licensing process it said belongs to another regulator.

Daily Post reported that the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum had called for the removal of Ojulari and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission official Meyiwa Eyesan, alleging underperformance and controversy around the recent licensing round.

NNPCL, in its response, said the Petroleum Industry Act places the conduct of licensing rounds and oil-block allocation under the statutory mandate of the NUPRC. It said NNPC Limited operates as a commercial entity and does not award oil blocks.

Vanguard also reported the company’s defence of Ojulari’s record, including its reference to increases in crude oil and gas production under his leadership. The allegations against the officials remain allegations, and no court finding was reported.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Post