President bola tinubu appoints bashir bayo ojulari as new nnpc ceo
President Bola Tinubu Appoints Bashir Bayo Ojulari as new Nnpc ceo
In a sweeping reform of Nigeria’s energy sector, President Bola Tinubu has completely reconstituted the board of the NigerianNigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, replacing all members appointed in November 2023. The move, effective April 2, 2025, introduces fresh leadership to drive the administration’s ambitious oil and gas targets.
New NNPC Leadership Structure
Chairman: Ahmadu Musa Kida (Non-Executive)
Group CEO: Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari
Chief Financial Officer: Adedapo Segun
Board Size: 11 members
Complete List of New Board Members
- North West: Bello Rabiu
- North East: Yusuf Usman
- North Central: Babs Omotowa (ex-NLNG MD)
- South South: Austin Avuru
- South West: David Ige
- South East: Henry Obih
- Finance Ministry Rep: Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya
- Petroleum Ministry Rep: Aminu Said Ahmed
President’s Mandate to New Board
Invoking Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, President Tinubu outlined key expectations:
- Conduct strategic portfolio review of NNPC assets
- Enhance operational efficiency and local content
- Restore investor confidence in the sector
- Drive gas commercialization and diversification
Administration’s Energy Sector Targets
| Metric | 2027 Target | 2030 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Production | 2 million bpd | 3 million bpd |
| Gas Production | 8 bcf/day | 10 bcf/day |
| Refining Capacity | 200,000 bpd | 500,000 bpd |
| Sector Investment | $30 billion | $60 billion |
Profile of Key Appointees
Ahmadu Musa Kida – Chairman
| Background | Career Highlights |
|---|---|
| • Borno State indigene • ABU Zaria Civil Engineering graduate (1984) • IFP Paris Petroleum Engineering PGD |
• Began at Elf Petroleum Nigeria (1985) • Total Nigeria Deputy MD (2015) • NBBF President • Pan Ocean-Newcross Director |
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari – Group CEO
| Background | Career Highlights |
|---|---|
| • Kwara State indigene • ABU Zaria Mechanical Engineering graduate • SPE Nigeria Council Chairman |
• Renaissance Africa Energy EVP • Led $2.4bn SPDC acquisition • Shell Nigeria MD (2015) • Worked in Europe/Middle East |
FAQs
Q: Why was the NNPC board dissolved?
A: To enhance operational efficiency and align with the administration’s energy sector transformation agenda.
Q: What happens to the previous board members?
A: They were thanked for their service, particularly for rehabilitating the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
Q: When do the new appointments take effect?
A: April 2, 2025, as stated in the presidential directive.
Conclusion: A Strategic Energy Sector Reset
President Tinubu’s complete NNPC board overhaul signals a decisive shift in Nigeria’s energy governance strategy. The appointment of seasoned industry professionals like Kida and Ojulari, combined with ambitious production and investment targets, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to:
- Maximizing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources
- Attracting significant foreign investment
- Developing robust local capacity
- Positioning Nigeria as a global energy leader
The success of these reforms will depend on the new board’s ability to navigate complex operational challenges while delivering on the administration’s bold vision for the energy sector.
