NNPC refineries remain difficult to revive after decades of neglect, GCEO Bayo Ojulari reveals, as reforms face resistance amid oil sector changes

NNPC refineries have proven difficult to repair despite massive investments, according to the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari.

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Speaking in Abuja while hosting the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Ojulari blamed decades of neglect for the state of the Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna plants.

“A lot of money has been spent on these refineries. However, it’s been very challenging to translate that money into profitability,” he said.

“When you have an old car and you park it for some time without greasing or oiling, it becomes difficult to put it back together. That’s what has happened with our refineries.”

Ojulari disclosed that technical and commercial reviews of the plants have been completed, with a new approach now being pursued.

“We’ve completed a commercial review for the Port Harcourt refinery, and concluded that the best way forward is to bring in a true professional refining company to cooperate with us,” he explained.

He added that NNPC was leveraging its equity in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to secure supply while ensuring no product shortages during the transition.

The GCEO admitted that reforms at NNPC have drawn resistance. “We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure.

You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough,” Ojulari stressed, urging Nigerians to remain patient as changes take root.

PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, commended the company’s efforts, noting milestones such as improved pipeline operations and reduced crude oil theft.

He also urged the government to consider allowing experienced private refiners to buy into NNPC refineries to limit political interference.

“Since you came on board, our pipelines have been working, from the Forcados Pipeline to the TNP. That has boosted production in the industry,” Osifo noted.

Ojulari maintained that sustainable refinery revival under the Incorporated Joint Venture model remains a top priority.

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“Mr President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing,” he said, assuring that reforms aim to deliver lasting solutions for Nigeria’s energy sector.