<\/p>\n
By Abdullahi Idris Meliga<\/p>\n
The North Central Advocates for Equity and Justice (NCAEJ), a stalwart non-governmental organization dedicated to the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and regional balance in national appointments, unequivocally endorses the appointment of Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).<\/p>\n
This endorsement is rooted in the NCAEJ’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that critical national leadership roles reflect the diverse tapestry of Nigeria, and that appointments are made based on merit, experience, and a proven track record of excellence.<\/p>\n
A Legacy of Excellence; Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari\u2019s Distinguished Career<\/p>\n
Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari\u2019s career is a testament to unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise within the oil and gas industry. His academic foundation, a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering from the esteemed Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1985\u20131989), laid the groundwork for a career marked by continuous learning and professional advancement.<\/p>\n
He began his career as a fresh graduate at Elf Petroleum Nigeria in September 1989, where he worked as a Fields and Process Engineer until October 1991. In November 1991, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as an Associate Production Technologist, initiating an illustrious career that spanned over 24 years.<\/p>\n
During his time at Shell, he rose through the ranks, gaining extensive international and regional experience.
\nHis journey at Shell included pivotal roles such as:<\/p>\n
Integrated Studies Team Member, Shell Netherlands (1994-1995) \u2013 Contributed to global energy projects.
\nHead, Planning, Economics, and Budgeting, SPDC Nigeria (1997-1999) \u2013 Led economic planning strategies.<\/p>\n
Asset Leader and Head Production Technologist, Shell Oman (1999-2003) \u2013 Managed production optimization.<\/p>\n
Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Planner, Shell Headquarters (2003-2004) \u2013 Developed strategic regional frameworks.
\nManager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, SPDC Nigeria (2005-2008) \u2013 Spearheaded corporate growth initiatives.<\/p>\n
Manager, Asset Development (Onshore and Shallow Water), SPDC Nigeria (2008-2010) \u2013 Led major asset development projects.
\nDevelopment Director, SPDC Nigeria (2010-2015) \u2013 Oversaw strategic energy development.<\/p>\n
Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) (2015-2021) \u2013 Drove deepwater exploration and technological innovation.<\/p>\n
Following his retirement from Shell in July 2021, Engineer Ojulari established BAT Advisory & Energy Company Nigeria Ltd, serving as its board chairman.<\/p>\n
The firm provided consultancy services to entities within the oil and gas\/energy sector. In January 2024, he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, where he played a key role in the company\u2019s acquisition of Shell assets in Nigeria. His new appointment as NNPCL\u2019s GCEO positions him as the right leader to steer Nigeria\u2019s oil and gas sector towards sustainable growth.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Historical Imbalance: Regional Equity in NNPCL Leadership<\/p>\n
The composition of NNPCL\u2019s leadership has historically reflected a pattern of regional imbalance, with certain geopolitical zones consistently overrepresented.<\/p>\n
A meticulous analysis of past GCEOs reveals a stark disparity:
\nRemilekun A. Marinho (1977-1980) \u2013 South West
\nOdoliyi Lolomari (1980-1981) \u2013 South South
\nLawrence Amu (1981-1985) \u2013 South West
\nAret Adams (1985-1990) \u2013 South South
\nThomas John (1990-1992) \u2013 South South
\nEdmund Daukoru (1992-1993) \u2013 South South
\nChamberlin Oyibo (1993-1995) \u2013 South South
\nDalhatu Bayero (1995-1999) \u2013 North West
\nJackson G. Obaseki (1999-2003) \u2013 South South
\nFunsho Kupolokun (2003-2007) \u2013 South West
\nAbubakar Yar\u2019Adua (2007-2009) \u2013 North West
\nMuhammed Bakindo (2009-2010) \u2013 North East
\nShehu Ladan (2010) \u2013 North West
\nAugustine O. Oniwon (2010-2012) \u2013 North Central
\nAndrew Yakubu (2012-2014) \u2013 North West
\nJoseph Thlama Dawha (2014-2015) \u2013 North East
\nIbe Kachikwu (2015-2016) \u2013 South South
\nMaikanti Baru (2016-2019) \u2013 North East
\nMele Kyari (2019-2025) \u2013 North East
\nBayo Bashir Ojulari (2025-Present) \u2013 North Central<\/p>\n
The North Central region, despite its significant contributions to Nigeria\u2019s economy and oil sector, has been conspicuously underrepresented in this critical leadership role. This historical imbalance underscores the urgent need for a more equitable approach to national appointments.<\/p>\n
The appointment of Engineer Ojulari would not only rectify this imbalance but also send a powerful message about the government\u2019s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.<\/p>\n
His selection would mark a paradigm shift, signaling a new era of leadership that reflects Nigeria\u2019s diverse demographic landscape and ensures that all regions have a stake in shaping the nation\u2019s energy policies.<\/p>\n
Strategic Vision and Transformative Leadership for NNPCL<\/p>\n
Beyond regional considerations, Engineer Ojulari is a visionary leader whose strategic mindset aligns perfectly with the ongoing transformation of NNPCL.<\/p>\n
His expertise in digitalization, energy transition, and sustainability is crucial in guiding the corporation towards a future characterized by enhanced efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.<\/p>\n
His commitment to digitalization is particularly relevant in today\u2019s rapidly evolving energy landscape. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, NNPCL can streamline operations, optimize resource management, and enhance its competitiveness in the global market. His expertise in energy transition is also critical as Nigeria seeks to diversify its energy mix and reduce its carbon footprint. His leadership in implementing sustainable energy strategies will ensure that NNPCL remains at the forefront of the global energy transition.<\/p>\n
His leadership style, characterized by accountability and transparency, is essential for managing a corporation as vital as NNPCL. His track record of fostering successful public-private partnerships underscores his ability to drive collaboration and achieve strategic objectives.<\/p>\n
A Call for National Unity and Merit-based Leadership<\/p>\n
The North Central Advocates for Equity and Justice urges policymakers, stakeholders, and all Nigerians to support the appointment of Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO of NNPCL.<\/p>\n
His exceptional qualifications, extensive experience, and regional representation make him the most suitable candidate for this pivotal position.<\/p>\n
This call for his appointment transcends mere regional equity; it is a resounding endorsement of merit and competence. Nigeria deserves a leader who possesses a profound understanding of the complexities inherent in the oil and gas sector and the visionary foresight to propel the industry forward. The NCAEJ remains steadfast in its advocacy for a just and equitable society, where leadership is inclusive, and every region enjoys fair representation in shaping national policies.<\/p>\n
By appointing Engineer Ojulari, Nigeria has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to meritocracy and national unity. This appointment would not only enhance NNPCL\u2019s performance but also strengthen the fabric of Nigerian society, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
\nIt is time to make history by appointing a leader who embodies excellence, fairness, and strategic foresight.<\/p>\n
It is time for Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari to lead NNPCL into a future defined by innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth, so that Nigeria can truly reach its full potential. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria<\/p>\n
Abdullahi Idris Meliga from Ankpa Kogi State is the Coordinator, North Central Advocates for Equity and Justice<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Abdullahi Idris Meliga The North Central Advocates for Equity and Justice (NCAEJ), a stalwart non-governmental organization dedicated to the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and regional balance in national appointments, unequivocally endorses the appointment of Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7172,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business"],"yoast_head":"\n