NNPC engaging proven partners to revamp refineries — Ojulari
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says it is engaging partners with proven technical and operational capacity to rehabilitate and sustainably run the nation’s refineries.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this on Wednesday during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja.
Ojulari said the company is currently in discussions with partners that have a strong track record in refining and petrochemical operations to develop sustainable, self-financing and profitable solutions for its refinery assets.
He explained that past refinery interventions focused mainly on financing and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) delivery, but noted that the company is now prioritising the right operating model to ensure long-term sustainability.
“Getting refineries up and running requires three critical elements: financing, a competent EPC contractor, and world-class operational capacity. That is exactly our focus at the moment,” he said.
The NNPC boss added that ongoing reforms within the company have strengthened its commercial orientation and profitability outlook, in line with its broader transformation agenda aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future.
Speaking on recent progress in curbing crude oil theft and improving pipeline availability, Ojulari attributed the gains to stronger collaboration with upstream operators and a renewed engagement framework built on trust and efficiency.
He said the approach has boosted investor confidence, commercial outcomes and production levels.
According to him, federal government interventions to address security challenges in the Niger Delta — including structured surveillance systems, deployment of AI-enabled solutions and security personnel — have helped stabilise operations and ensure production consistency.
He also noted that targeted Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have improved relations with host communities.
Ojulari further highlighted the recently launched NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026, describing it as a customer-focused strategy aimed at increasing domestic gas utilisation, stimulating market growth and delivering in-country value.
He said the plan aligns with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which positions gas as a key driver of economic growth, industrialisation and energy transition.
On governance, Ojulari commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing industry experts to the NNPC Ltd Board and senior management team, describing the move as unprecedented and critical to strengthening commercial discipline and global competitiveness.
He said the mix of internal expertise, international experience and skilled workforce would position NNPC Ltd as a performance-driven national energy company.