NEWS
Ojulari’s Future as NNPCL’s GCEO in Turbulent Political Waters
The political waters in Nigeria appear to be in high currents at state oil major, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, facing allegations of reckless spending and funding the opposition.
The allegations, Biztellers gathered, have cast doubts on the tenure of Ojulari, who was said to be acting through a crony.
An online news platform had on Sunday reported that Ojulari was forced to resign in controversial circumstances, a claim that has been denied in some quarters.
President Bola Tinubu, had on April 2, 2025 appointed Ojulari, a former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production (SNEPCO), Limited as the GCEO of NNPC Ltd following the sack of the erstwhile management led by Mele Kyari.
But, four months into the saddle of leadership at NNPCL, all appears not to be well as series of allegations have been levelled against the GCEO.
ALSO READ: Okpebholo Predicts One Party in Edo State Before 2027
It was alleged that Ojulari since assuming office, rather than cut cost has been living an extravagant lifestyle, thus putting a strain on the finances of the state oil major.
“Since assuming office just over three months ago, Ojulari has not boarded a single commercial flight. Instead, the state oil company boss has indulged in a jet-set lifestyle more befitting a billionaire playboy than the head of a struggling national energy corporation.
“Less than two weeks into his role, Ojulari reportedly jetted off to Paris aboard a private aircraft, accompanied from Paris, the jet roared off to London where Ojulari met the President — an early glimpse into the GCEO’s taste for flamboyance,” a source said.
The source claimed that while the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, flew British Airways to Vienna for a seminar organised by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the NNPC Boss went to the same venue in far away Austria in a chartered private jet.
“Yet perhaps the most galling display came in July, when Ojulari flew to Vienna, Austria aboard another private jet to attend the International OPEC Seminar. While Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum flew on British Airways, Ojulari’s journey reportedly cost NNPCL close to $1 million,”.
Earlier in May, while Nigeria’s oil output plummeted and NNPCL’s operational struggles mounted, Ojulari was said to have been spotted in Bologna, Italy on yet another private visit.
But the gallivanting lifestyle didn’t end there as sources confirmed a luxury detour to Monaco to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix, sipping rare champagne while Nigeria’s refineries remained comatose.
Weeks later, the extravagance reached a crescendo. To mark his 60th birthday, Ojulari reportedly chartered two private jets to Dubai, turning the desert city into a lavish playground. One of the jets, according to insiders, ferried in “his ladies”, while a fountain of Dom Pérignon, single malt whiskies, and vintage cognac flowed throughout the weekend. “It was like a royal coronation,” said a source present at the party.
“Imported chefs, luxury hotels, Rolexes exchanged as party souvenirs, this man lives like oil wells are buried in his backyard.”
However, the last straw that broke the camel’s back is the reported link of Ojulari to Abdullahi Bashir-Haske, the founder and Group Managing Director of AA&R, who is married to the daughter of Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice-President.
Bashir-Haske, Atiku’s son-in-law, reportedly enjoyed regular NNPC patronage when Maikanti Baru was NNPC’s Chief Executive from 2016 to 2019. Baru died in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.
Kyari, who was the Group General Manager of the crude oil marketing division of the national oil company, succeeded Baru.
When he took over the reins, Kyari was reportedly unhappy with Bashir-Haske and subsequently cut him off from NNPC patronage.
Bashir-Haske, however, continued to do business with Ojulari, who was operating in the oil sector in various capacities, notably as MD of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and later as founder/chairman of BAT Advisory & Energy Company Nigeria Ltd.
BAT Advisory & Energy advised Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited in its $2 billion takeover of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).
Following his appointment as NNPC GCEO in April, Ojulari restored all the privileges Bashir-Haske had been denied by Kyari.
Some of the transactions between NNPC and Bashir-Haske were flagged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), TheCable reported.
The anti-graft body has questioned Bashir-Haske, accusing him of orchestrating “large-scale money laundering through sophisticated financial structures”.
There are now allegations that NNPC was, perhaps inadvertently, funding the opposition through him.
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.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
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.
READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC
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.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
NDC Warns Judiciary Against Turning Courts Into Tools for Political Opposition
Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award
APC Pressuring Hotels to Deny Opposition Parties Venues – NDC Raises Alarm
Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy
‘The Panic Is Real’ – Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
https://shorturl.fm/i264M
I do not even understand how I ended up here, however I thought this submit was once good. I do not realize who you might be however certainly you are going to a famous blogger in case you are not already 😉 Cheers!
You have brought up a very good points, regards for the post.
Thank you for all of the work on this blog. Kate take interest in setting aside time for research and it is obvious why. Many of us know all concerning the compelling ways you offer very important solutions through this web site and therefore inspire contribution from other individuals about this theme while my princess is certainly understanding a great deal. Take pleasure in the rest of the year. You are always doing a dazzling job.
fantastic points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I find It really helpful & it helped me out much. I hope to offer something back and aid others like you helped me.
Valuable information. Fortunate me I discovered your web site unintentionally, and I am surprised why this coincidence did not took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
Great work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the net. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!
Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all appear to get something done.
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Throughout the grand scheme of things you secure an A+ just for effort and hard work. Exactly where you actually lost me personally ended up being in all the details. As people say, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be much more accurate in this article. Having said that, let me inform you just what exactly did do the job. The writing is certainly rather convincing and that is probably the reason why I am taking an effort to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. 2nd, even though I can easily see a leaps in logic you make, I am definitely not convinced of exactly how you appear to unite the details that make the actual conclusion. For right now I will subscribe to your issue but wish in the future you actually connect the dots better.
Can I simply say what a aid to search out someone who truly knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know how to convey a difficulty to light and make it important. More people have to learn this and understand this aspect of the story. I cant believe youre not more common because you positively have the gift.
I enjoy you because of all your valuable work on this website. Kim enjoys going through investigation and it’s easy to understand why. We hear all relating to the dynamic means you present helpful suggestions via the blog and as well invigorate response from people on this situation so our favorite child is really understanding a whole lot. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You are conducting a really good job.
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
Unquestionably believe that that you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the net the simplest factor to be mindful of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as other people think about issues that they plainly do not know about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and also defined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , other folks can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks