10 Key Facts About Bashir Ojulari, New NNPCL GCEO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), replacing Mele Kyari.

The restructuring also led to the removal of Group Chairman Chief Pius Akinyelure and other board members appointed in November 2023. The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday.

Here are ten key facts about the new NNPCL GCEO:

1. He hails from Kwara State – Ojulari is originally from Kwara State, Nigeria.

2. A seasoned oil and gas expert – He has extensive experience in the petroleum industry, having held various top positions in the sector.

3. Former Executive at Renaissance Africa Energy – Before his appointment, he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

4. Led a major Shell acquisition – Under his leadership, Renaissance Africa Energy facilitated the $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC).

5. Alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University – He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

6. Started his career at Elf Aquitaine – He was the first Nigerian process engineer to work at Elf Aquitaine, marking the beginning of his successful career.

7. Worked at Shell for over two decades – He joined Shell Petroleum Development Company in 1991 and held various roles in Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East.

8. Former Managing Director of SNEPCO – In 2015, he became the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO).

9. Recognized leader in the engineering field – He is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

10. Held leadership positions in professional organizations – He has served as chairman and board member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigerian Council.