The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is engaging partners with proven expertise in refining and petrochemical operations to deliver sustainable, self-financing, and profitable solutions for Nigeria’s refineries. Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari disclosed this strategy during a fireside chat at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 in Abuja, emphasizing a fundamental shift in approach from previous revitalization efforts.
Ojulari explained that past efforts to revive Nigeria’s refineries were largely centered on financing and Engineering, Procurement and Construction delivery. The focus has now shifted to establishing the right operating model to ensure long-term sustainability. According to the NNPC chief executive, three critical elements are required to get refineries operational: financing, a competent EPC contractor, and world-class operational capacity.
The company is now better positioned for commercial viability and sustained profitability, driven by an ongoing transformation agenda aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future. On recent improvements in crude oil production, Ojulari attributed the reduction in oil theft and increased pipeline availability to strengthened collaboration with upstream operators. He explained that renewed engagement and trust between NNPC and its partners have boosted investor confidence, improved commercial outcomes, and enhanced productivity.
Ojulari credited the Federal Government’s decisive intervention in addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta, including the deployment of a structured surveillance framework, AI-enabled solutions, and security personnel. These measures have helped stabilize operations, ensure production consistency, and deepen collaboration with host communities through targeted Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. The NNPC chief also discussed the recently launched Gas Master Plan 2026, describing it as a customer-driven strategy designed to stimulate market growth and shared prosperity through gas utilization initiatives that align with the federal government’s Decade of Gas Initiative.
Source: channelstv.com