Reps member Okojie urges new NNPCL GCEO Bayo Ojulari to prioritise national interest and drive progress in Nigeria’s oil sector
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Odianosen Okojie, has called on the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr Bayo Ojulari, to place national interest above all else as he assumes leadership of the country’s most strategic energy institution.
Also read: Minister hails appointment of Bayo Ojulari as NNPC GCEO
President Bola Tinubu earlier in the week announced a major shake-up in the NNPCL, relieving Mele Kyari of his duties and appointing Ojulari as the new head of the state-owned oil company.
In a statement released on Saturday from Abuja, Okojie—who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream)—congratulated the new NNPCL leadership and urged them to work diligently to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“I, on behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), congratulate the new management team of the NNPCL led by Engr Bayo Ojulari,” Okojie stated.
“Your assignment is a call to the service of your fatherland, and I urge you to be guided by national interest in the discharge of this duty.
With your wealth of experience spanning critical segments of the industry value chain, I have no doubt that the oil and gas sector is in capable hands.”
Okojie emphasised the importance of boosting crude oil production, especially in light of Nigeria’s longstanding revenue challenges.
He noted that the sector remains the backbone of the economy and must operate optimally to drive national development.
“It is our expectation that you will walk your talk by improving crude oil production to an enviable height, given the revenue shortage experienced by successive governments over the years,” he added.
While calling for innovation and renewed vigour in tackling the sector’s longstanding inefficiencies, the lawmaker also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing GCEO, Mele Kyari.
“The outgoing team deserves our collective applause for their service to the nation. The achievements of Kyari and his team cannot be ignored by a wave of the hand,” Okojie said.
He highlighted some of Kyari’s key achievements, including the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the revival of the Port Harcourt Refinery, and efforts to secure the country’s vital oil and gas infrastructure.
“I wish you the best in your future endeavours,” Okojie concluded.
The leadership change at NNPCL is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, as Nigeria seeks to reposition its oil and gas sector amid global energy transitions and economic pressures.
