NNPC Ltd Engages Strategic Partners to Revamp Refineries

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has disclosed that the company is currently engaging partners with proven track records in refining and petrochemical operations to revive its refineries.
Ojulari said the engagement is aimed at building sustainable, self-financing, and profitable refinery solutions for the national oil company.

He made the disclosure while responding to questions during a fireside chat themed “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future at NIES 2026” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026 in Abuja on Wednesday.
The NNPC Ltd GCEO observed that, historically, efforts around refineries were largely focused on financing and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) delivery, noting that the approach has now shifted towards establishing the right operating model to ensure long-term sustainability.
“Getting refineries up and running requires three critical elements: financing, a competent EPC contractor, and world-class operational capacity. That is exactly our focus at the moment,” he stated.
Ojulari added that NNPC Ltd is now better positioned for commercial viability and sustained profitability, driven by its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future.
Speaking on recent improvements in the reduction of crude oil theft and enhanced pipeline availability, the GCEO attributed the gains to strengthened collaboration with upstream operators. He noted that renewed engagement and trust have significantly boosted investor confidence, commercial outcomes, and overall productivity.
“When the current leadership of NNPC Ltd was appointed, we introduced a fundamentally different engagement model with our partners, focusing on improving systems and processes to achieve win-win outcomes in production acceleration and contracting,” Ojulari said.
He further highlighted the decisive intervention of the Federal Government in addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta through a structured surveillance framework, including the deployment of AI-enabled solutions and security personnel.
According to him, the measures have helped stabilise operations, ensure production consistency, and deepen collaboration with host communities through targeted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that address key social challenges.
On the recently launched NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026, Ojulari explained that the company is firmly focused on delivering in-country value through gas utilisation initiatives. He described the plan as a customer-driven strategy designed to stimulate market growth and shared prosperity.
He added that the plan aligns closely with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which positions gas as a critical driver of economic growth, industrialisation, and energy transition.
On leadership and governance, Ojulari commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the unprecedented inclusion of industry experts on the NNPC Ltd Board and Senior Management Team, describing it as a strategic move that strengthens commercial discipline and global competitiveness.
He noted that the blend of internal expertise, international experience, and a highly skilled workforce positions NNPC Ltd as a commercially viable, performance-driven national energy company that will be a source of pride to all stakeholders.