The leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) is facing renewed criticism following Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari’s recent visit to Rivers State, where he toured the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) facility in Bonny but failed to stop at the Port Harcourt refinery.
The omission has angered petroleum retailers and host community stakeholders, who argue that the decision reflects poorly on the company’s commitment to the refinery’s long-delayed rehabilitation.
Retailers Voice Disappointment
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Host Communities Bulk Retailers Association of Port Harcourt Refinery expressed disappointment, saying they were “shocked” that the GCEO prioritized the NLNG plant while ignoring the refinery, which remains central to Nigeria’s domestic fuel production.
“A visit to the Port Harcourt refinery by Bayo Ojulari would have been a significant morale booster and motivation to the rehabilitation team and contractors working tirelessly to restore the refinery to its optimal capacity,” the group said. They described his decision as “a slap in the face” to workers and evidence of “a lack of interest in the functionality of the plant.”
The association urged Ojulari to revisit his itinerary and pay a courtesy call to the refinery, stressing that such engagement would demonstrate genuine commitment to the project and reassure workers of management’s support.
IPMAN Escalates Criticism
The discontent is not isolated. Last week, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) added its voice, with Eastern Zonal Secretary, Emmanuel Inimgba, issuing a blunt warning. He called on Ojulari to “fix the Port Harcourt refinery immediately or resign”, lamenting that maintenance works have dragged far beyond schedule.
The refinery was shut down on May 24, 2025, for a 30-day rehabilitation programme. However, more than 80 days later, stakeholders claim no significant progress has been made. According to Inimgba, contractors have already withdrawn from site due to lack of funds, while Ojulari has not visited the facility in four months.
The prolonged closure, he argued, has resulted in thousands of job losses among tanker drivers, marketers, and host community members, worsening local economic hardship. “Fixing the refinery would create jobs, boost the economy, improve fuel distribution, enhance government revenue and strengthen energy security,” he added.
Silence from NNPC Leadership
Attempts to obtain NNPC’s official position have been unsuccessful. Since the resignation of Chief Corporate Communications Officer Olufemi Soneye in June, the company has yet to appoint a replacement, leaving inquiries unanswered. Efforts by journalists to reach the company through official channels, including email and verified social media handles, have gone without response.
The communication vacuum has only deepened concerns, with critics warning that continued silence risks undermining confidence in NNPC’s reform agenda.
Wider Concerns in the Oil Sector
The refinery debate comes at a time of wider unease across Nigeria’s state-owned oil assets. Reports have emerged that some workers at the Warri refinery have gone unpaid for four months. When contacted, NUPENG President Williams Akporeha declined to comment directly and requested written questions, but had yet to respond as of press time.
Meanwhile, NNPC has sought to assure Nigerians of its long-term intentions. The company recently ruled out the sale of the Port Harcourt refinery, pledging to complete its “high-grade rehabilitation” and retain ownership.
What’s at Stake
The Port Harcourt refinery remains a critical test case for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, which has promised to revamp Nigeria’s refining capacity as part of broader energy reforms. While IPMAN and other stakeholders have expressed support for the president’s agenda, they caution that Ojulari’s perceived indifference could “sabotage” reform efforts.
For now, pressure is mounting on the NNPC boss to demonstrate stronger commitment, with calls for either visible action at the Port Harcourt refinery or leadership change if progress continues to stall.