President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), succeeding Mele Kyari. Here’s what to know about Ojulari and his background.
Educational and Professional Background
Ojulari, a native of Kwara State in North Central Nigeria, earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His career in the oil and gas sector began at Elf Aquitaine, where he made history as the company’s first Nigerian process engineer.
In 1991, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. as an associate production technologist. Over the years, he took on various roles in petroleum processing, production engineering, strategic planning, field development, and asset management. His experience extends beyond Nigeria, having worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities.
Leadership Roles in the Energy Sector
In 2015, Ojulari was appointed Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO). Before his latest appointment, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, the firm that recently acquired Shell Nigeria Limited.
Renaissance, in partnership with indigenous energy firms, led a landmark $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), marking a major shift in Nigeria’s oil sector.
Industry Recognition and Contributions
Ojulari has held leadership positions in key industry bodies, serving as chairman and board trustee member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council). He is also a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
NNPC Leadership Transition
Ojulari takes over from Mele Kyari, who was appointed in July 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari and turned 60 on January 8, 2025. He will work alongside NNPC’s newly appointed board chairman, Ahmadu Musa Kida, who replaces Pius Akinyelure.
