The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed that Nigeria’s state-owned refineries will return to full operation, dismissing doubts raised by critics and industry observers.
Ojulari, who spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement session in Abuja, said the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries remains on course, with test runs on the Port Harcourt plant expected soon. He stressed that the refineries are being overhauled with the involvement of reputable international contractors to ensure world-class standards.
“Our refineries will work again. The projects are progressing steadily, and Nigerians will soon see results. Reviving our refineries is essential for energy security, reducing imports, and creating jobs for our people,” Ojulari said.
He explained that the refinery programme is not meant to compete with private sector investments such as the Dangote Refinery but to complement them. According to him, Nigeria’s demand for petroleum products requires multiple sources of supply to guarantee stability and self-sufficiency.
The NNPC boss also spoke on the company’s gas agenda, describing natural gas as the country’s key transition fuel. He said the company is pushing ahead with major gas infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, which will serve industries, generate electricity, and open up opportunities for regional trade.
“Gas is the future of Nigeria’s energy sector. We are expanding pipelines, developing processing facilities, and building on our LNG capacity to supply both local and international markets,” he added.
Ojulari highlighted transparency and accountability as the hallmarks of the company’s transformation under the Petroleum Industry Act. He reminded stakeholders that NNPC Ltd now operates under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, publishes its audited financial statements, and runs as a commercially driven entity.
“The NNPC of today is different. We are accountable, we are audited, and we are governed by a board that demands transparency. Nigerians can expect improved efficiency and openness,” he stated.
He assured that the company will continue to stabilize the domestic market, even as deregulation reshapes the downstream sector. According to him, NNPC Ltd’s role is to ensure consistent supply while encouraging private operators to increase their participation.
Industry analysts have welcomed Ojulari’s assurances but noted that delivering on refinery rehabilitation and gas expansion will be critical in restoring confidence in the company. Some stakeholders also urged the company to accelerate investments in renewable energy in line with global energy transition trends.
Ojulari said NNPC Ltd is already taking steps in that direction, with solar and wind projects being developed to diversify the energy mix. He added that the company is equally prioritizing host community development to ensure stability in oil-producing areas.
“Beyond oil and gas, we are investing in renewable energy, while also giving back to our host communities through education, healthcare, and empowerment initiatives. These efforts are vital for sustainable growth,” he said.
Reiterating his agenda, Ojulari said NNPC Ltd’s transformation rests on three pillars: energy security, sustainability, and transparency. He expressed confidence that with ongoing reforms, the company would reposition itself as a global energy player while meeting Nigeria’s domestic needs.
“Our mission is clear: we must guarantee Nigeria’s energy security and deliver value to our shareholders, which are the Nigerian people. The transformation is real, and we are committed to it,” he concluded.
Observers say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether NNPC Ltd can deliver on its promises, especially as the demand for petroleum products continues to rise amid foreign exchange pressures. Successful completion of refinery rehabilitation, they note, would mark a turning point for Nigeria’s economy by cutting import bills and improving energy independence.
For many Nigerians, Ojulari’s assurances represent renewed hope that the country’s oil sector can finally live up to expectations. If the company sustains its current pace of reforms and infrastructure development, analysts believe NNPC Ltd could reposition itself as both a reliable national supplier and a competitive player in the global energy market.
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