When Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari walked into the glassy towers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on April 2, he carried more than just a briefcase. He brought hopes of change — real, visible, measurable change.
Now, 100 days later, NNPCL is proudly rolling out the drumbeats, presenting what it calls a “report card” of Ojulari’s first stretch as Group Chief Executive Officer. But beyond the corporate lingo and polished statements, Nigerians are asking one thing: Is this the beginning of a new NNPC or another episode of ‘we are working on it’?
The Scorecard So Far: From Pipelines to Profits
In a celebratory post across its social media handles, the oil giant said Ojulari’s leadership has sparked “forward movement.” And to be fair, there are signs that things may be different this time — or at least heading somewhere.
First on the list is improved oil and gas production. Yes, Nigeria is still far from its full potential, but the company claims it has achieved 100% pipeline availability — an impressive feat considering oil theft in this country sometimes looks like an Olympic sport.
Even more noteworthy is the timely payment of cash calls. For years, Nigeria has struggled to meet its share of funding in joint ventures with international oil companies. Now, under Ojulari, partners are reportedly seeing their money on time — no more excuses or “we’ll pay you next quarter” whispers.
Fixing Refineries… While They’re Still Running?
You know things are serious when a GCEO says, “We are fixing the engine while moving.”
That’s how Ojulari described the efforts to revive Nigeria’s long-forgotten refineries. The once-mighty facilities — Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna — have become jokes in beer parlours and memes on WhatsApp groups. But now, under “ongoing technical and commercial reviews,” NNPCL says it’s considering all options, including selling them off if necessary.
Ojulari isn’t pretending it’s an easy fix. “It’s a bit more complicated,” he admitted recently. Nigerians would agree. These refineries have swallowed billions over the years, yet haven’t refined enough to fry puff-puff.
Cleaner Air, Smoother Roads
Ojulari’s NNPC is also trying to clean up more than just its books. The donation of 35 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Presidential Initiative on CNG signals a shift towards cleaner, cheaper transportation. “The roads are talking,” NNPC declared. And maybe — just maybe — those roads are finally speaking sense.
It’s not just talk. The AKK pipeline project, particularly the crossing over River Niger, is now complete. This milestone means Nigeria is one step closer to unlocking its vast natural gas reserves — and maybe solving its chronic electricity problems (though let’s not get ahead of ourselves).
Back to Transparency, or Back to the Basics?
After years of silence, NNPCL has resumed its Monthly Financial and Operational Reports. It might sound boring, but for an agency that’s long been accused of being a black hole of public funds, this is a big deal.
So far in 2025, the company has paid ₦6.96 trillion into the Federation Account. In June alone, it posted a profit of ₦905 billion — a slight dip from May’s ₦1.05 trillion, but still far from the red ink we were used to.
Internally, reforms are touching the lives of workers. Improved welfare, merit-based promotions, and stricter performance checks are part of a new culture the GCEO is trying to build. No more ‘man-know-man’, they say.
Hard Choices and Harsh Realities
Ojulari’s first 100 days haven’t been all rosy. The man is stepping on toes — cutting costs, shutting down unproductive units, and saying “no” to waste.
In NNPC’s words: “Every Naira must count.” For a company once accused of losing billions like pocket change, that’s a bold line.
Strategic funding channels are being opened, and investments are being steered toward high-value infrastructure in both upstream and midstream. The goal? To finally make NNPC a commercial entity that doesn’t just consume but also delivers.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Ojulari’s first 100 days have been more action than noise — and that alone is refreshing. Nigerians are tired of grand promises and zero delivery. But while these wins are encouraging, the real test lies ahead.
The question remains: Will this momentum last, or will it fade faster than fuel in a jerrycan?
As one Lagos taxi driver put it: “Let’s clap for him small… but me I go wait till December before I shout ‘Odogwu!’”
Only time will tell.
#NNPCat100Days #OjulariOnTheMove #NigeriaOilWatch
