Amanze ChinonyeBayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), formally resumed official duties on Monday following widespread speculation that he had resigned under pressure. Ojulari was seen at the NNPC Towers in Abuja at approximately 9:35 a.m. on August 4, 2025, signaling continuity in leadership despite the controversy that erupted over the weekend.
The presidency moved swiftly to dispel claims that Ojulari had been forced out. In a direct statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said:
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Ojulari remains the substantive head of NNPCL.”
His remark came amid viral reports suggesting that the GCEO had been pressured to resign during a late-night operation allegedly involving operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS). Critics described the supposed incident as a “civilian coup” orchestrated without the President’s approval.
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The EFCC denied conducting any such operation, describing the forced resignation narrative as “fake news.” It acknowledged, however, that it had received petitions regarding the GCEO, which are under preliminary review.
Ojulari, a former Shell executive, was appointed in March 2024 to lead reforms aimed at increasing transparency, curbing oil theft, and stabilizing the downstream sector. While his tenure has earned praise for opening up NNPC’s contracting process, he has also faced scrutiny over alleged financial misconduct.
Civil society groups remain divided on the developments. Some have called for his prosecution, citing financial transactions involving politically exposed firms. Others argue that Ojulari’s apparent ouster attempt may be linked to resistance against reform from entrenched interests within the oil industry.
With his resumption now confirmed and his position publicly defended by the presidency, the spotlight remains firmly on how Ojulari and the Tinubu administration will navigate mounting scrutiny over governance and accountability within Nigeria’s most strategic public corporation.
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