Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The recent visit by the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, to the Dangote Refinery has ignited sharp criticism across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, with stakeholders questioning his leadership priorities amid lingering challenges at state-owned refineries.
Mr. Ojulari, appointed on April 2, 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is yet to pay official visits to the government-owned Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries nearly a year into his tenure; a development industry watchers describe as “deeply troubling.”
Dr. Joseph Obele, energy expert and lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, described the development as a serious governance concern.
“It is disturbing that almost a year into his tenure, the GCEO has not deemed it necessary to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery,” Obele said. “Public officials must first demonstrate visible commitment to reviving government-owned facilities before celebrating partnerships with private enterprises.”
The stakeholder argued that touring a privately-owned refinery while taxpayer-funded facilities struggle operationally sends the wrong signal to investors and citizens alike.
“The Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries are national assets that have consumed enormous public resources for rehabilitation,” Obele noted. “Leadership must prioritize national assets before advancing private sector alliances.”
Obele who is a member of the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, further lamented that a directive to shut down the Port Harcourt Refinery was issued from the GCEO’s office on May 24, 2025 without a prior personal inspection tour.
“Such action raises critical questions about accountability and institutional responsibility,” Obele stated. “You cannot manage what you have not physically assessed, especially when national energy security is at stake.”
Obele further claimed that civil society groups are now said to be exploring legal options, including calls for Mr. Ojulari’s removal from office.
“In any nation where accountability is taken seriously, this conduct would warrant scrutiny,” Obele declared. “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve Mr. Bayo Ojulari of his position to restore public confidence and reaffirm commitment to protecting national assets.”
He added, “Collaboration with Dangote Refinery may offer economic advantages, but it must not overshadow the urgent responsibility to rehabilitate and operationalize government-owned refineries.”
The stakeholder urged the NNPCL leadership to “provide a comprehensive public update on the operational status of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries. Prioritize direct inspection and engagement with government refinery projects. Reconsider any shutdown directives issued without transparent justification. Uphold the highest standards of accountability expected of public office holders.”
He further warned that Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity remains central to fuel supply stability, foreign exchange conservation and long-term energy sovereignty.
“Public trust depends on measurable progress in domestic refining capacity and operational transparency,” Obele stressed. “Anything less risks eroding confidence in the management of our most strategic national assets.”
