Youth Coalition Applauds Ojulari’s Transformation of NNPCL, Urges Unity Among Nigerian Youth

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Coalition of Geo-political Youth Associations of Nigeria and Civil Societies has applauded the recent transformation taking place at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the leadership of its newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.

At a press briefing held in Abuja on Tuesday, the group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a “well-thought-out appointment,” noting that Ojulari and the current executive team have hit the ground running since their appointment on April 2, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Convener of the coalition, Ambassador Olasunkanmi John Kolawole, described Ojulari as a “silent achiever and a benevolent leader with a passion for a just society,” adding that his leadership has already begun attracting investments and reforms critical to the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.

“From the vision and targets he has rolled out, the GCEO has set in motion plans to attract $30 billion in sectoral investments by 2027, and $60 billion by 2030. He aims to raise crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and 3 million by 2030, while scaling gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day,” Kolawole said.

He also highlighted Ojulari’s commitment to transparency, citing the publication of NNPCL’s monthly operational reports starting with April 2025. In addition, the group pointed to recent strides such as the handover of 35 hybrid CNG-powered buses to the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs across the country.

The coalition praised the acceleration of the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, noting that the long-standing challenge of crossing the River Niger in Kogi State had been resolved within three months of the new executive team’s assumption of office.

Furthermore, they commended Ojulari’s leadership for reviving the Kolmani oil drilling project in Northern Nigeria and reiterated his track record at Shell Nigeria, where he led deepwater operations and renegotiated key production-sharing contracts.

“In just three months, this team has brought about significant progress. We urge Nigerian youth not to allow themselves to be used by vested interests looking to derail the transformation happening at NNPCL,” Kolawole warned, referencing recent calls by certain groups for Ojulari’s removal.

The coalition dismissed such agitations as politically motivated and cautioned young Nigerians against being exploited as “tools of distraction.” Instead, they called on civil society organisations and youth associations to rally behind Ojulari and his executive team in the interest of national progress.

“We stand firmly with this administration and encourage it to stay the course — committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability,” Kolawole added.

The coalition reaffirmed its support for the reforms being championed by Ojulari and urged stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to align with the vision of a reformed, globally competitive NNPCL.

“Let us unite for Nigeria’s progress. Let’s believe in the potential of our nation and stand together in support of initiatives that promote growth and development,” the statement concluded.