Minister Heineken Lokpobiri has praised Bayo Ojulari’s appointment as NNPC GCEO, calling it a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s oil sector
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has described the appointment of Mr Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) as a strategic and well-deserved move.
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President Bola Tinubu announced Ojulari’s appointment on Wednesday, along with that of Mr Ahmadu Kida as the new board chairman.
In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, Lokpobiri assured industry stakeholders of strong collaboration to advance Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Lokpobiri commended President Tinubu for aligning the appointments with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), stating that the decision would enhance efficiency, accountability, and competitiveness in the sector.
“This is a crucial step toward further repositioning NNPC Ltd. to meet the demands of the evolving global energy landscape,” the minister said.
Expressing confidence in Ojulari and his team, Lokpobiri emphasised that their experience would drive significant growth and contribute to achieving national energy objectives.
The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ commitment to working closely with the new NNPC leadership and urged stakeholders, investors, and partners to support the management team in advancing the sector.
“I urge all stakeholders to rally behind this new leadership as we work together to enhance production capacity, optimise value across the petroleum value chain, and secure a sustainable future for the sector,” he stated.
Lokpobiri also extended his gratitude to the outgoing GCEO, Mr Mele Kyari, for his service, while reiterating that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to fostering investment, growth, and transformation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
