Bayo Bashiru Ojulari has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the GMD of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.
The announcement, which was made known through the State House Press in the early hours of today announced the dissolution of NNPCL‘s former board and the sack of Mele Kyari.
In this article, Naijabiogist brings you everything to know about Bayo Ojulari, the new NNPCL boss, his experience, career and achievements.
Early Life and Background
Bayo Bashir Ojulari is a distinguished Nigerian engineer with over three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry. Born in Kwara State, Nigeria, Ojulari earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Career Journey and Achievement
Bashir Ojulari began his professional journey at Elf Aquitaine, where he made history as the company’s first Nigerian process engineer. Elf Aquitaine would later merge and become TotalEnergies.
- Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC): In 1991, he joined SPDC as an Associate Production Technologist. Over the years, he held various strategic roles across Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East, including positions in petroleum process and production engineering, strategic planning, field development, and asset management.
- Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo): Ojulari’s expertise and leadership culminated in his appointment as Managing Director in 2015, a role he held until his retirement in July 2021. During his tenure, he also served on the board of directors for Shell Petroleum Development Company, overseeing onshore and offshore petroleum engineering and project integration.
- Renaissance Africa Energy Company: Following his retirement from Shell, Ojulari became the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company in January 2024. Notably, under his leadership, the company led a consortium in acquiring Shell’s former onshore subsidiary in Nigeria, a landmark $2.4 billion transaction.
Achievements and Recognitions
- Professional Affiliations: Ojulari has been actively involved in professional organizations, serving as chairman and member of the board of trustees for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigeria Council) between 1998 and 1999. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
- NNPC Leadership: On April 2, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the state-owned oil firm towards increased efficiency and productivity.
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Conclusion
Bayo Bashir Ojulari’s extensive experience and leadership in the oil and gas industry position him as a key figure in Nigeria’s energy sector, with a legacy of pioneering roles and strategic accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Bayo Ojulari?
Bayo Bashir Ojulari is a veteran Nigerian oil and gas executive. He’s best known for his tenure as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and was recently appointed Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in April 2025.
2. What is Bayo Ojulari’s professional background?
Ojulari has over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He began his career at Elf Aquitaine and later joined Shell in 1991. Over the years, he held strategic roles across Nigeria, Europe, and the Middle East in petroleum engineering, production, planning, and executive leadership.
3. What are Bayo Ojulari’s major achievements?
- First Nigerian process engineer at Elf Aquitaine.
- Led Shell’s deep-water operations as MD of SNEPCo.
- Played a key role in the $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s onshore assets through Renaissance Africa Energy.
- Appointed GCEO of NNPCL by President Tinubu in April 2025.
4. What is Bayo Ojulari’s educational background?
He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and has been active in the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
5. Is Bayo Ojulari connected to any recent oil and gas deals?
Yes. After leaving Shell, he became COO of Renaissance Africa Energy in 2024. Under his leadership, the company acquired Shell’s onshore assets in Nigeria—one of the largest private-sector oil deals in recent years.
6. What is known about Bayo Ojulari’s personal life or age?
While his exact birthdate isn’t public, it’s estimated he was born in the mid-1960s based on his academic timeline. Personal details about his family and private life remain mostly undisclosed in the media.
