NNPCL Defends Bayo Ojulari as Oil Group Demands His Removal

The NNPCL has defended Bayo Ojulari and NUPRC chief Meyiwa Eyesan after the Oil and Gas Professionals Forum demanded their removal over alleged failures in Nigeria’s oil sector.

The group accused the officials of questionable transactions, poor performance and alleged favouritism in the recent oil licensing round.

It claimed Ojulari influenced the allocation of oil blocks to associates, including one of his wives.

However, NNPCL rejected the allegations and clarified its role under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

The company said the NUPRC, not NNPCL, has the legal authority to conduct licensing rounds and allocate oil blocks.

NNPCL also said it operates strictly as a commercial entity and has no regulatory or allocative powers.

Meanwhile, the company reported that crude production rose by 6% to 1.67 million barrels per day in April 2026.