Bashir Bayo Ojulari was recently appointed as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited by President Bola Tinubu, effective April 2, 2025, replacing Mele Kyari. While there is no direct public statement from Ojulari himself mentioning “things many people don’t know about him” as of this date, various sources have highlighted key aspects of his background and career that may not be widely known to the public. Below is a summary of notable details about the newly appointed NNPC CEO that provide insight into his life and expertise, based on available information.
Ojulari hails from Kwara State, Nigeria, and is a seasoned engineer with over 34 years of experience in the global oil and gas industry. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1989, marking the start of a career that spans multiple continents and roles. One lesser-known fact is that he began his professional journey as the first Nigerian process engineer at Elf Aquitaine, a significant milestone that showcased his early technical prowess in the petroleum sector. This role laid the foundation for his subsequent career trajectory, including a 24-year tenure at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), where he joined in 1991 and rose through various leadership positions.
Before his appointment as NNPC GCEO, Ojulari served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company. Under his leadership, the company spearheaded a consortium of indigenous energy firms in a landmark $2.4 billion acquisition of SPDC’s entire equity holding—a deal that underscores his strategic influence in Nigeria’s energy landscape. His experience extends beyond Nigeria, having worked in Europe and the Middle East in roles such as petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager. Notably, he served as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) from 2015 to 2021, overseeing both onshore and offshore petroleum engineering operations, including deepwater projects.
Ojulari’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for NNPC, amid challenges like pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and the push for energy diversification. His extensive background in managing petroleum asset acquisitions, exploration, field development, and production positions him as a figure with deep industry insight. While he has not publicly shared personal anecdotes or obscure facts in a formal statement since his appointment, his career achievements reveal a blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership that may surprise those unfamiliar with his decades-long contributions to the oil and gas sector.
