In a significant leadership overhaul at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the managing directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries have been dismissed. This move follows the recent appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL. He succeeds Mele Kyari, who was relieved of his duties on April 2, 2025, as part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s oil and gas sector performance.
The decision to terminate the refinery heads comes amid concerns over the refineries’ underwhelming performance despite substantial investments in their rehabilitation. Notably, the Warri Refinery, which underwent a $1.5 billion revamp, resumed operations in December 2024 at 60% capacity but faced operational challenges shortly thereafter. Similarly, the Port Harcourt Refinery restarted in November 2024, operating at 70% capacity, yet struggled to meet production expectations.
In addition to the refinery MDs, other senior officials, including Bala Wunti, former chief of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (a subsidiary of NNPCL), were also relieved of their duties. Sources indicate that officials nearing retirement were asked to leave as part of the restructuring efforts.
President Tinubu has emphasized the importance of revitalizing Nigeria’s refining capabilities to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. He has directed NNPCL to expedite the reactivation of the second Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
The recent changes reflect the administration’s commitment to overhauling the national oil company to ensure efficiency, transparency, and improved performance in Nigeria’s energy sector.
