Connect with us

NEWS

Ojulari Drives Nigeria’s Crude Oil Output to 5-Year High

Published

on

The leadership of Bayo Ojulari, as the Group Chief Executive Officer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has resulted in a mega increase in crude oil production to 1.71 million barrels per day, the highest level recorded in five years.

This was detailed in its one-year performance report under Ojulari, made public at the official X handle of the GCEO on Sunday.

He described the report as a demonstration of accountability and measurable progress across the oil giant’s operations.

Providing a breakdown of achievements between April 2025 and April 2026, the company said its upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, also recorded a milestone, reaching an all-time peak production of 365,000 barrels per day in December 2025.

It read, “Oil Production: Increased crude oil production to 1.71 million bpd (highest in five years). NEPL achieved an all-time peak production of 365,000 bpd in December 2025.

ALSO READ: Dangote Leads East Africa’s Industrial Revolution

PPLS 2000, 2001 PSC: Executed a model PSC for PPL 2000 & 2001 successfully. The first PSC to include comprehensive terms designed to facilitate the development of deepwater non-associated gas resources.”

The report further highlighted the execution of a new Production Sharing Contract model for oil blocks PPL 2000 and 2001, noting that the framework includes comprehensive terms to unlock deepwater non-associated gas resources, an area long considered underdeveloped in Nigeria’s energy mix.

It also disclosed that it supported the resolution of the long-standing dispute surrounding the former OPL 245 (Zabazaba/Etan) asset, which has now been converted into new Production Sharing Contracts covering PMLS 102 and 103, as well as PPLs 2011 and 2012.

In the gas segment, the company reported major infrastructure milestones, including the completion of the River Niger crossing of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline in July 2025, alongside the welding of the entire pipeline network.

It also confirmed the commissioning of the Assa North-Ohaji South processing plant and its connection to the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben pipeline, a critical link in Nigeria’s domestic gas supply chain.

According to the report, gas supply rose to 7.5 billion standard cubic feet per day in 2025, supported by multiple commercial agreements. These include a Network Exit Agreement between NGIC and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, as well as supply deals involving NGML, Dangote Cement, and the Dangote Refinery.

The company added that it launched a Gas Master Plan in January 2026 and signed additional supply agreements, including one with CNG Ibese, while continuing optimisation work on the Soku gas pipeline infrastructure.

On refining, NNPC Ltd said it had introduced an Incorporated Joint Venture model aimed at repositioning its refineries to operate as commercially viable and self-financing entities.

It also confirmed the consolidation of its 7.25 percent equity stake in the Dangote Refinery, describing the move as critical to safeguarding national energy interests.

The company reiterated its continued crude oil supply to the refinery under the “crude-for-naira” initiative, a policy designed to reduce foreign exchange pressure and stabilise domestic fuel supply.

“Sustained support for Dangote Refinery through crude oil supply under the ‘crude-for-naira’ programme,” it added.

The NNPC Ltd said it strengthened its international footprint through strategic shipping partnerships with global firms, including Stena Bulk and Sonangol, while also launching a new crude grade, Cawthorne. It added that its Oleum lubricant brand had been expanded into the West African subregion.

In terms of project development, the company disclosed that it secured presidential approval for incentives aimed at unlocking the Final Investment Decision on the Bonga South West Aparo project under the OML 118 Production Sharing Contract.

Additionally, it signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding with China Gas Holding Limited and Peiyang Chemical Singapore PTE Ltd to accelerate gas commercialisation.

A major highlight of the report is the resumption of full monthly remittances to the Federation Account Allocation Committee since July 2025.

The NNPC Ltd added that it had also reintroduced monthly performance reporting and held its first-ever earnings call in November 2025, moves seen as part of efforts to improve transparency and investor confidence.

“Transparency: Reinstated monthly performance reporting. Held NNPC Limited’s first earnings call in November 2025. FAAC Remittances: Resumed full monthly payment into the Federation Account and continued consistent payment since July 2025.”

On human capital development, the company said it onboarded 1,000 new employees, dubbed “The Tigers,” and launched a new performance management system to drive efficiency and accountability. It also inaugurated the Women in NNPC programme to enhance gender inclusion and leadership opportunities.

The firm noted that it had embarked on a major internal restructuring under its “Fit4Future” initiative, aimed at transforming it into a globally competitive, profit-driven energy company.

Commenting on the report, Ojulari said the company’s performance reflects deliberate efforts to reposition NNPC Ltd as a transparent and results-driven organisation.

He stated, “Over the past year, we have delivered steady progress against our mandate, with measurable results across production, financial performance, infrastructure, and organisational culture.

“But this is more than a report on targets met. It is a statement of accountability to every Nigerian. At NNPC Limited, we are committed to leading with purpose, putting our best foot forward to build a more prosperous and sustainable energy future for our country.”

The NNPC Ltd transitioned into a fully commercial entity under the Petroleum Industry Act, with expectations to operate profitably while maintaining transparency and contributing to national revenue.

However, the company has faced scrutiny in recent years over oil theft, declining production, and delays in remittances to the Federation Account.

The latest report signals a strategic shift, particularly with the recovery in production levels, renewed focus on gas as a transition fuel, and reforms in refinery operations.

The sustained implementation of the “crude-for-naira” policy and deeper collaboration with private sector players such as the Dangote Group are also seen as critical to stabilising Nigeria’s downstream sector and reducing dependence on fuel imports.

Ojulari was appointed on April 2, 2025, following the dissolution of the NNPC board and the removal of his predecessor, Mele Kyari, in what the presidency described as a strategic overhaul aimed at repositioning the national oil company.

The decision was part of a broader effort to improve operational efficiency, boost crude oil production, and restore investor confidence in the sector.

Ojulari, a seasoned petroleum engineer, brought decades of industry experience into the role, having previously served as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company and later as Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy.

NEWS

Profit Margin Still Below 10% as NNPC Ltd Reports N13tn Revenue in Four Months

Published

on

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) recorded a total revenue of nearly N13 trillion trillion between January and April 2026, although the company continued to grapple with a relatively thin net profit margin of less than 10 percent during the same period.

This is detailed in the NNPC Ltd’s monthly report summaries for the first four months of 2026.

The report showed a high-volume operational model with a significant portion of earnings directed toward statutory obligations rather than net profitability.

The NNPC Ltd’s revenue trajectory across the four-month period showed significant volatility and growth, specifically reporting a total revenue of N12.996 trillion during the period under consideration.

Overall, the company reported revenue of N2.571 trillion in January. The figure moved to N2.680 trillion in February, rose to N2.774 trillion in March, and climbed to N4.971 trillion in April.

ALSO READ: Workers Suspend Strike at NUPRC

However, profitability remained modest in comparison to the scale of revenue. The national oil major recorded a Profit After Tax (PAT) of N385 billion in January, followed by N136 billion in February, N276 billion in March, and N481 billion in April.

In all, the total profit after tax for the four-month period reached N1.278 trillion.

Measured against the total revenue of N12.996 trillion, the net profit accounted for roughly 9.8 percent of the total earnings, underscoring the substantial impact of operational costs, inefficiencies and perhaps, statutory payments on the company’s bottom line.

Also, statutory payments remained a primary driver of financial outflows for the state-owned energy firm. The cumulative statutory payments recorded from January through April totalled N3.714 trillion, representing a significant portion of the total revenue.

Besides, a review of the four-month data indicated that operational performance in the upstream sector demonstrated substantial volume when calculated across the 120 days of the period.

Operational performance in the upstream sector demonstrated substantial volume when calculated across the 120 days spanning the period. Total crude oil and condensate production, calculated by multiplying daily averages by the number of days in each month, reached approximately 191.88 million barrels.

A breakdown showed that the NNPC Ltd reported 1.64 million barrels per day in January; 1.51 million bpd in February; 1.56 million bpd in March and 1.68 million bpd in April, the highest so far in 2026.

In the same vein, natural gas production remained consistently stable throughout the period, with a cumulative total of approximately 906.158 Billion Standard Cubic Feet (BSCF).

Gas output in January was 7.283 BSCF per day in January; 7.454 BSCF per day in February; 7.731 BSCF per day in March and 7.730 BSCF per day in April.

The operational challenges and successes driving these numbers were varied. For instance, production metrics were influenced by factors such as the completion of Turn Around Maintenance and various infrastructure integrity issues, including the Trans Forcados Pipeline outage and asset-specific leakages identified throughout the first quarter.

Despite the hurdles, the NNPC Ltd maintained improved oil and gas output, supported by the continuous strategic effort to improve asset reliability and resolve evacuation constraints.

During the period, infrastructure development remained a core pillar of the company’s strategic efforts, including steady progress on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and the successful completion of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) River Niger crossing.

Since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) transformed the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation into the commercially oriented NNPC Limited in 2022, the expectation was that it would operate as a profit-driven company rather than a government agency. However, the company has continued to grapple with legacy operational challenges. One of the most visible challenges has been the state-owned refineries, where the national oil company has incurred substantial liabilities. Despite billions of dollars spent on rehabilitation, the facilities have remained shut, but continue to incur debts.

In 2025, the federal government approved the write-off of more than $1.4 billion and trillions of naira in historical obligations owed by NNPC as part of efforts to clean up its balance sheet and improve transparency.

While NNPC Ltd’s commercialisation has altered its legal structure, the company continues to navigate the difficult transition from a state-run oil corporation to a fully commercial energy enterprise, burdened by ageing assets, legacy debts, political expectations and operational inefficiencies.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Workers Suspend Strike at NUPRC

Published

on

Work has resumed fully at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) after workers suspended the one-day strike that shut the commission’s offices nationwide on Monday over welfare and administrative concerns.

The commission disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Workers had downed tools following the collapse of negotiations between staff representatives and management over issues bordering on institutional governance, staff welfare, promotions and training opportunities.

Among their demands were a review of the current cost-of-collection structure, particularly the one per cent allocation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which the workers argued had weakened the upstream regulator’s operational efficiency and financial capacity.

The aggrieved workers also accused the commission of adopting an operator-style approach to regulation that created overlaps in responsibilities within the broader petroleum regulatory framework.

ALSO READ: ASRI Urges FG to Allocate Crude to Local Refiners

They further demanded remuneration comparable to what obtains across the oil and gas industry and expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as inadequate attention to staff development, career progression and capacity building.

Although the strike led to the closure of NUPRC offices nationwide, the commission had maintained that oil and gas production activities were not affected, noting that operational staff were exempted from the industrial action.
Providing an update on Tuesday, the NUPRC said the strike had been suspended following successful discussions between its management and the workers’ unions.

In a statement signed by the NUPRC Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, the commission said, “Work has fully resumed at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission following the suspension of the one-day strike called by workers’ unions.

The industrial action was called off on the night of June 1, 2026, after successful negotiations between the top management of the NUPRC and the two in-house unions – the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.”

According to the commission, the industrial action lasted only 12 hours and had no impact on regulatory oversight of oil and gas facilities.

“The strike, which lasted for 12 hours, affected only administrative work while regulatory activities in oil and gas facilities remained unaffected,” the statement noted.

The NUPRC also dismissed reports suggesting that crude oil production was disrupted by the strike or that the dispute was primarily about foreign training opportunities.

“The commission, therefore, calls on members of the public to disregard false reports on crude oil production disruptions as well as misleading publications stating that the disagreement centred on foreign training,” Akinkuotu stated.
The regulator further pledged to address workers’ concerns and improve staff welfare and development.

“Lastly, the NUPRC promised to improve the operating environment of its workforce and prioritise staff development in line with the Petroleum Industry Act,” the statement added.

Continue Reading

NEWS

“Stop Spreading Fear” — Presidency Slams Nasboi Over Alleged Fake Terror Clip

Published

on

The Presidency has cautioned popular comedian and content creator, Nasboi, over a viral video he posted online, accusing him of spreading fear with what it described as a misleading terror-related clip.

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, raised the concern in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, saying the footage being circulated does not originate from Nigeria and was wrongly presented in a way that could cause public panic.

ALSO READ: I’m Getting Death Threats For Criticising Wizkid – Nasboi Calls Out

He alleged that the video shared by Nasboi was originally taken from another online page that identified the armed men in the clip as terrorists operating in the Republic of Benin, not Nigeria.

According to him, sharing such content without proper context was irresponsible, especially given the sensitive security situation in the country.
He wrote: “You cannot continue to intentionally use your page to spread fear @iamnasboi for whatever reason you might think you have.

“The video you posted was clearly quoted from a page that says these are Beninese terrorists. This means the footage is from Benin Republic and has nothing to do with Nigeria.

“We have our challenges, but you using your wide reach to spread fear with a fake footage is the highest form of irresponsibility. You can do better!”

The presidential aide did not give further details on when the video first surfaced or whether any official verification was conducted on its origin.

Nasboi had earlier shared the clip with the caption “PRESIDENT @officialABAT,” showing armed men on motorcycles carrying out an attack in a rural setting.

The post sparked mixed reactions online, as users debated whether the footage was genuinely from Nigeria or another West African country.

Although similar videos have previously been linked to extremist groups operating in the Sahel region, there has been no independent confirmation that the viral clip originated from Nigeria.

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x