Ojulari, who assumed leadership on April 2, 2025, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, succeeded Mele Kyari as part of a sweeping overhaul of the company’s executive structure. In a review shared across NNPCL’s social media platforms on Wednesday, the company praised the new administration for achieving “strategic wins” across core operational areas, including upstream development, refinery rehabilitation, transparency, and energy transition.
“This period has been marked by steadfast commitment and forward movement,” the statement read. “The report card is out, and the first 100 days of the Group CEO is a testament to leadership focused on performance and transformation.”
Stronger Upstream Partnerships and Pipeline Stability
A key highlight of Ojulari’s early tenure is the renewed strength of collaboration with upstream partners. NNPCL reported increased oil and gas output, improved partner confidence, and the restoration of 100% pipeline availability — a critical metric for revenue assurance. Timely cash call payments were also credited with supporting smoother operations and reinforcing trust with joint venture partners.
Aggressive Push for Profitability
Ojulari’s administration has taken a hard stance on inefficiencies and underperformance, launching a strategic cost-cutting initiative and rooting out unproductive ventures. “We are saying ‘No’ to value loss,” the company stated, emphasizing that “every Naira must count” in its ongoing bid to reposition the company for long-term profitability.
This renewed fiscal discipline is complemented by the exploration of new funding sources and investments in key infrastructure across both the upstream and midstream sectors — a move aligned with NNPCL’s goal of becoming a fully commercial enterprise under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Refinery Rehabilitation: Progress and Tough Choices
Refinery rehabilitation remains a priority under Ojulari, with the administration undertaking ongoing technical and commercial reviews. In a candid admission, Ojulari recently described the process of revamping Nigeria’s state-owned refineries as “a bit more complicated,” adding that all options — including possible privatization — remain on the table.
“We are fixing the engine while moving,” the company said, underlining the administration’s pragmatic approach to restoring domestic refining capacity that has long remained dormant.
Advancing Energy Transition with CNG
As part of its clean energy drive, NNPCL has donated 35 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to the Presidential Initiative on CNG. The move not only supports cleaner air and lower transport costs, but also signals the company’s commitment to innovation and a sustainable energy future.
“The roads are talking: CNG is the future,” the company noted, framing the initiative as both a climate and economic imperative.
Infrastructure and Transparency Milestones
A standout achievement in infrastructure delivery is the successful completion of the AKK River Niger Crossing — a major milestone in the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project. The pipeline is expected to unlock industrial growth and energy access across Northern Nigeria.
Additionally, NNPCL has resumed publication of its monthly financial and operational reports, previously discontinued since 2021. The June 2025 summary showed a profit after tax of ₦905 billion, a slight drop from ₦1.054 trillion in May, but nonetheless a strong indicator of the company’s improved commercial posture. The report also revealed a total remittance of ₦6.96 trillion to the Federation Account in the first five months of the year.
Internal Reforms and Employee Welfare
Internally, Ojulari’s leadership has focused on staff welfare, performance incentives, and cultivating a culture of excellence. The company highlighted efforts to close benefit gaps and improve employee engagement as part of its broader push to become an “employer of choice.”
As the company looks beyond its first 100 days under Ojulari, it is clear that the NNPCL is on a renewed path toward commercial viability, strategic reform, and energy leadership — all while balancing profitability, transparency, and national development.