By Abdulkarim Ibrahim
Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, has resumed work, putting to rest speculations about his future. He was spotted at an event in Lagos, marking a return to his duties, Intel Region reports.
The event, organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigerian Council), provided an opportunity for Ojulari to be seen in public, dispelling rumors about his potential departure from the NNPC.
There had been speculation about Ojulari’s possible resignation or sacking due to alleged controversies surrounding past business dealings with a politically connected businessman. However, his return to work suggests that he remains at the helm of the NNPC.
Ojulari’s presence and tone at the event conveyed stability and resolve, reaffirming his vision for the Nigerian energy sector. While he did not directly address the recent allegations, his actions spoke louder than words.
The rumors surrounding Ojulari’s potential departure were fueled by concerns over past deals involving Atiku Abubakar’s son-in-law, Gbolahan Obanikoro. However, his return to work suggests that these concerns may not have had a significant impact on his position.
In recent weeks, there had been uncertainty surrounding the NNPC leadership, with Ojulari’s fate hanging in the balance. However, his return to work has brought some stability to the organization.
Despite the controversies, Ojulari delivered a virtual presentation on various topics, including energy justice and geopolitical capital flows. His presentation demonstrated his expertise and commitment to the energy sector.
Ojulari emphasized the need for Africa to define its own energy transition path, rather than relying on external influences. This statement highlights his vision for the continent’s energy future.
Ojulari’s return to work and his presentation at the event demonstrate his stability and resolve as the NNPC CEO. His actions suggest that he is committed to leading the organization and driving its vision forward.
“The energy transition must not be imposed. It must be negotiated, contextualized, and it must be just,” he stated, emphasizing the need for natural gas to remain a key transitional fuel for the continent.
“We cannot ignore the reality that millions in Africa still lack basic energy access,” he said. “Our approach must be grounded in energy justice, providing access while transitioning responsibly.”
Ojulari’s remarks laid out an ambitious, interconnected vision for the Nigerian energy sector, one that combines traditional oil and gas production with emerging technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen, AI-enabled exploration, and compressed natural gas (CNG) distribution.
He described the oil and gas sector not as a “sunset industry,” but as a cornerstone of “a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future.”
“For Nigeria, and for Africa, energy is a means of strengthening cross-sector and cross-border alliances, securing access to reliable and affordable investment — not just for oil and gas, but for the emerging technologies that will define the next chapter of our industry,” Ojulari said.