By peterside Rejoice
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) says it is engaging partners with proven technical and operational capacity to rehabilitate the nation’s refineries and ensure sustainable, self-financing and profitable operations.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during a fireside chat themed “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026.
Ojulari said the company’s refinery strategy has shifted from the traditional focus on financing and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) delivery to prioritising the right operating model for long-term sustainability.
According to him, effective refinery operations depend on three critical elements: adequate financing, a competent EPC contractor and world-class operational capacity.
“Getting refineries up and running requires financing, a competent EPC contractor and strong operational capacity. That is our focus,” he said.
Speaking on crude oil production, Ojulari attributed recent improvements to reduced oil theft, improved pipeline availability and strengthened collaboration with upstream operators, which he said has boosted investor confidence and productivity.
He noted that the Federal Government’s intervention in addressing security challenges in the Niger Delta, including the deployment of structured surveillance systems, AI-enabled solutions and security personnel, has helped stabilise operations and improve production consistency.
On the NNPC Ltd Gas Master Plan 2026, Ojulari said the company is focused on driving in-country value through gas utilisation, describing the plan as a customer-driven strategy aligned with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing industry experts to the NNPC Ltd Board and Senior Management Team, saying the move has strengthened commercial discipline and enhanced the company’s global competitiveness.
Ojulari added that NNPC Ltd’s blend of internal expertise, international experience and skilled workforce positions the company as a commercially viable national energy firm capable of delivering value to stakeholders
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