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Ojulari Drives Nigeria’s Crude Oil Output to 5-Year High
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.
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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.
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.
The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.
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The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.
During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.
He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.
The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.
He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.
Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.
The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
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