In a decisive move aimed at restructuring Nigeria's oil sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Mele Kyari from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and appointed Bayo Bashir Ojulari as his successor. This change, effective April 2, 2025, comes after weeks of speculation and political discourse, particularly from northern stakeholders who had expressed concerns over Kyari's potential dismissal.
Anticipated Changes and Regional Reactions
The possibility of Kyari's removal had been a topic of intense debate, especially as he approached the retirement age of 60. Prominent northern figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, voiced apprehensions about the implications of such a move. They speculated that Kyari might be replaced by an individual from the Yoruba ethnic group, aligning with perceptions that President Tinubu, often referred to as the "Lagos landlord," was favoring his kinsmen in key governmental positions.
Profile of Bayo Ojulari: The New NNPC Leader
Bayo Bashir Ojulari brings over three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry to his new role at NNPCL. An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering between 1985 and 1989. Ojulari began his professional journey with Elf Petroleum Nigeria as a Fields and Process Engineer from September 1989 to October 1991. He then joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in November 1991 as an Associate Production Technologist, marking the start of a distinguished career with Shell.
Throughout his tenure at Shell, Ojulari held various leadership positions across Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East, specializing in Petroleum Exploration, Development, and Production management. Notably, he served as the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) from 2015 until his retirement in 2021. His extensive experience is expected to be instrumental in steering NNPCL towards enhanced operational efficiency and bolstering investor confidence.
Ethnic Identity and Regional Representation
Ojulari's appointment has sparked discussions regarding ethnic representation within Nigeria's geopolitical landscape. Despite his Yoruba heritage, Ojulari identifies as a northerner by origin, having been born and educated in northern Nigeria. This dual identity challenges traditional notions of regional representation and underscores the complex interplay of ethnicity and politics in the country's governance.
Conclusion
President Tinubu's decision to appoint Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO of NNPCL reflects a strategic effort to revitalize Nigeria's oil sector by leveraging seasoned expertise. While the move has elicited varied reactions, particularly concerning regional representation, it signals a commitment to operational excellence and investor confidence. As Ojulari assumes leadership, stakeholders will be keenly observing how his extensive experience and unique background contribute to the transformation of NNPCL and the broader energy landscape in Nigeria.
Keywords: Bayo Ojulari, NNPC leadership change, Mele Kyari removal, President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian oil sector, ethnic representation in Nigeria, NNPCL restructuring, Shell Nigeria, petroleum industry Nigeria, regional politics Nigeria.
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