NNPCL Boss Ojulari Returns To Work Amid EfCC Probe, Resignation Rumour

NNPCL Boss Ojulari Returns To Work Amid EfCC Probe, Resignation Rumour

Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, resumed official duties on Monday at approximately 9:35 a.m., dispelling widespread speculation about his alleged resignation.

A senior security source confirmed told newsmen that Ojulari was actively engaged in his routine responsibilities, and an internal memo circulated among NNPCL staff instructed them to disregard social media reports suggesting his exit from office.

The controversy stems from viral claims that Ojulari was pressured by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to sign a resignation letter over a $21 million corruption scandal.

Civil society groups, including OilWatch Nigeria and the Workers’ Rights Alliance, alleged that a detained associate, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, confessed to holding the funds on Ojulari’s behalf.

These groups staged protests at the National Assembly, EFCC headquarters, and NNPCL offices, accusing Ojulari of economic sabotage and covert plans to privatise national assets.

But the Presidency swiftly dismissed the resignation claims as “false and rubbish,” affirming that Ojulari remains in office and continues to lead the company’s reform agenda.

The EFCC also denied any coercion or abduction, confirming only that a petition had been received and was under review.

Meanwhile, the DSS described the reports as “baseless and misleading,” distancing itself from the alleged operation.

Appointed in April 2025 by President Bola Tinubu, Ojulari was tasked with overhauling NNPCL’s operations, improving transparency, and restoring investor confidence.

His tenure has seen initiatives like real-time monitoring systems, contract audits, and efforts to stabilise fuel supply—moves praised by advocacy groups such as CGGCI and HURIWA.

However, critics have raised concerns about alleged lavish spending, including a high-cost retreat in Kigali involving private jets, and reports of a tense work environment leading to staff resignations.

Ojulari recently appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to address audit queries involving ₦210 trillion in NNPCL’s financial reports from 2017 to 2023.

He requested additional time to provide comprehensive responses and pledged to collaborate with external auditors.