The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Engr. Bashir Ojulari, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not pressuring him to take shortcuts or compromise on reforms at the national oil company.

Ojulari stated this on Thursday when he hosted the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

He stressed that the ongoing transformation of the corporation was tough but necessary, adding that his management team would not bow to external pressure or sabotage.

“We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said. “You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough. But we will stay the course, because at the end, it is Nigerians who will benefit.”

Since assuming office five months ago, the NNPC boss explained that his administration has prioritised rehabilitating the nation’s refineries on a sustainable basis, adopting the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model as a key strategy to restore refining capacity.

“Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are going back to the baseline to ensure the refineries work sustainably going forward. We don’t want to pretend and just do some quick fix because there is pressure on us,” he added.

Ojulari also accused unnamed forces of trying to derail the reform agenda. “The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win,” he declared, praising the union’s support.

On his part, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended Ojulari’s leadership, noting remarkable improvements in pipeline security and crude oil theft reduction, which he said had boosted production and restored investor confidence.

“Our pipelines are now working, and crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production,” Osifo stated. “As PENGASSAN, we are solidly behind you and will work with your team to ensure stability in the system for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Ojulari concluded by affirming that the reforms were aimed at securing Nigeria’s energy future, urging patience and collective support despite the challenges ahead.(Tribune)