The Coalition of Nigerian Patriots for Good Governance, backed by civil society organizations, concerned workers, and transparency advocates, has called for the immediate removal of Mr. Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), accusing him of reckless leadership, economic sabotage, and betrayal of public trust.
Addressing a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, the National Coordinator of the coalition, Ibrahim Musa, outlined series of allegations against Ojulari, warning that his actions threaten President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s energy security.
The coalition’s grievances center on Ojulari’s abrupt shutdown of the nation’s refineries, alleged plans to privatize NNPCL assets to cronies, diversion of crude oil to illegal refineries, and a toxic work environment that has triggered mass resignations.
“Ojulari’s leadership is a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s economic recovery,” said Comrade Musa said. “His reckless decisions, like shutting down functional refineries without justification, undermine President Tinubu’s vision for energy self-sufficiency.”
Just 24 hours after assuming office on May 24, 2025, Ojulari ordered the closure of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, despite significant taxpayer investments in their rehabilitation. The coalition alleged this move was a deliberate attempt to frustrate Nigeria’s efforts to reduce fuel imports.
“Millions have been spent to make these refineries functional, yet Ojulari shut them down without a technical audit or stakeholder consultation,” Musa added. “This is nothing short of sabotage.”
The group also raised alarms over credible reports that Ojulari plans to demarket NNPCL to justify a shady privatization process, with buyers allegedly lined up to acquire national oil assets at undervalued prices. Additionally, they accused him of diverting crude oil meant for the Port Harcourt refinery to companies owned by his allies operating illegal local refineries in the Niger Delta.
Within NNPCL, Ojulari’s leadership style has reportedly created a climate of fear. The coalition highlighted the resignation of senior officials, including Group Chief Operating Officer Mr. Roland, and an incident on June 10, 2025, where Ojulari allegedly locked Roland’s office, sparking widespread panic among staff.
“Ojulari’s authoritarianism is driving away talent and destroying morale,” said Comrade Musa. “He claims to be untouchable, hiding behind the President’s name, but we know President Tinubu would not condone this abuse of power.”
The coalition also called for investigations into a ₦5.7 billion consultancy contract awarded to Haske, a company with a history of fraudulent dealings, and the extravagant Kigali retreat scandal involving estacode fraud and the use of five private jets. “These are public funds being squandered while Nigerians struggle,” Okeke said.
In a direct appeal to President Tinubu, the coalition demanded Ojulari’s immediate sack, a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and an independent technical audit of the refineries by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
They urged the National Assembly to intervene and restore transparency and professionalism to NNPCL.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the coalition warned that silence is not an option. “We cannot allow one man’s greed to destroy decades of national investment,” the National Coordinator declared. “Ojulari must go, and the people demand accountability now.”