Controversy Swirls Around NNPCL Boss Bayo Ojulari Amid Alleged Resignation Saga and Corruption Claims

It seems Nigeria’s oil sector is facing another storm, as reports claim Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was allegedly pressured by EFCC operatives to sign a resignation letter on Friday night. The move, described by some as a “civilian coup,” was reportedly conducted without presidential approval and said to involve EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi.

The Presidency, however, denied the claim. Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga clarified on Saturday that Ojulari remains the NNPCL head. Appointed in April 2025, Ojulari has been steering reforms within the oil company.

At the heart of the controversy is a $21 million (₦34.65 billion) corruption allegation linked to a detained associate, Abdullahi Haske, who allegedly confessed to holding the funds on Ojulari’s behalf. Civil society groups including OilWatch Nigeria and the Workers’ Rights Alliance have accused Ojulari of economic sabotage, calling for his immediate arrest and prosecution. During a July 31 press briefing at EFCC headquarters, the coalition criticized the prolonged shutdown of Nigeria’s refineries and alleged attempts to privatise NNPCL assets under opaque terms.

The coalition has launched a three-day protest, starting August 1, across key locations such as the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, and EFCC offices. Further allegations include a suspected kickback scheme involving oil traders and pipeline contractors, which prompted a whistleblower alert and an EFCC account freeze. SERAP had earlier raised concerns over NNPCL’s alleged non-remittance of ₦500 billion in late 2024.

Despite the mounting pressure, several advocacy groups including the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiatives (CGGCI) and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have come to Ojulari’s defense. They argue the protests are politically motivated and praise his transparency efforts, such as the introduction of real-time monitoring systems, audits of legacy contracts, and fuel supply stabilisation measures that have eased queues nationwide.

Nonetheless, criticism persists over alleged extravagant spending, including a costly retreat in Kigali involving private jets, and claims of a tense work environment that has led to multiple staff resignations.

As of Saturday night, the EFCC has not confirmed his resignation or arrest, leaving the situation uncertain.