Read the Biography and Profile of Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited.
Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari is a distinguished Nigerian engineer and oil industry executive with over three decades of experience in the petroleum sector. In April 2025, he was appointed as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His leadership marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as he brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors.
Early Life and Educational Background
Birth and Ethnicity
- Full Name: Bayo Bashir Ojulari
- Date of Birth: March 20, 1966 (Age 58 as of 2024)
- Ethnicity: Yoruba
- State of Origin: Kwara State, Nigeria
- Religion: Muslim
Ojulari was born into a modest Nigerian family in Kwara State, where he developed a passion for engineering and technology at an early age. His upbringing in the culturally rich Yoruba environment of Kwara influenced his leadership style, work ethic, and commitment to national development.
Primary and Secondary Education
Ojulari’s early education laid the foundation for his future achievements. He attended primary school in Kwara State, though the exact institution remains undisclosed. He later proceeded to a prestigious government college in Northern Nigeria for his secondary education.
Higher Education and Professional Training
Bayo Bashir Ojulari pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he studied Mechanical Engineering between 1985 and 1989. His academic excellence set him on the path to becoming a leader in the oil and gas industry.
Beyond his university degree, Ojulari attended advanced management and leadership training programs at various international institutions, including Shell’s corporate training centers, which further honed his technical and leadership skills.
Professional Career
Early Career at Elf Aquitaine (1989-1991)
Ojulari began his career in 1989 at Elf Aquitaine (now TotalEnergies), where he served as a Fields and Process Engineer. His role in the company was groundbreaking, as he became one of the first Nigerian process engineers to work in key offshore projects.
Rise in Shell Petroleum Development Company (1991-2021)
In 1991, Ojulari joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as an Associate Production Technologist. Over the next three decades, he climbed the ranks, holding key leadership positions, including:
- 1994-1995: Technical assignments at Shell Netherlands, where he worked on pioneering oil and gas production technologies.
- 1999-2003: Held various production management roles in Oman, gaining international experience.
- 2010-2015: Served as Development Director at SPDC, overseeing major offshore developments in Nigeria.
- 2015-2021: Appointed Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), where he played a crucial role in optimizing oil production from the Bonga deepwater field, boosting output to 320,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Post-Shell Career (2021-2024): Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Energy Sector
After retiring from Shell, Ojulari ventured into private business and consultancy:
- 2021: Founded BAT Advisory & Energy Company, a consultancy firm focusing on oil and gas operations.
- 2024: Joined Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited as Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer (COO), leading a $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s SPDC assets.
Appointment as GCEO of NNPCL
In April 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, succeeding Mele Kyari. His appointment aligns with the government’s vision to transform the national oil company into a globally competitive energy enterprise.
Key Mandates as GCEO of NNPCL
As the head of Nigeria’s top oil corporation, Ojulari’s responsibilities include:
- Implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to enhance operational efficiency.
- Boosting Nigeria’s oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2030.
- Reducing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which have plagued the sector.
- Expanding Nigeria’s gas commercialization strategy to drive economic growth.
- Overseeing the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries to improve domestic refining capacity.
Professional Achievements and Impact
Key Contributions to Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector
Throughout his career, Ojulari has played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s energy industry. His notable achievements include:
- Increased Bonga Field Production – Under his leadership at SNEPCo, the Bonga deepwater project reached a record-high production level of 320,000 bpd.
- Reduced Operational Costs – Implemented cost-cutting measures that reduced operating expenses by 30%.
- Pioneered Local Content Development – Advocated for increased Nigerian participation in oil and gas projects, supporting indigenous companies.
- Industry Leadership – Served as a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and was a former Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigeria Council).
Personal Life
Family and Private Life
- Wife: Though married, Ojulari keeps his wife’s identity private, maintaining a low-profile family life.
- Children: Information about his children is not publicly disclosed, reflecting his preference for privacy.
- Religious Affiliation: As a Muslim, he follows Islamic principles in his personal and professional life.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Ojulari’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but industry estimates suggest he is worth between $5 million and $10 million, accumulated from:
- High-paying executive roles at Shell and NNPC.
- Stock options and investment portfolios.
- Consulting and advisory services in the oil and gas sector.
Despite his wealth, Ojulari maintains a modest lifestyle, prioritizing professionalism and industry development over luxury.
Challenges and Future Prospects
As GCEO of NNPCL, Ojulari faces several key challenges:
- Global Energy Transition: Managing Nigeria’s oil resources while transitioning to renewable energy.
- Security Issues: Addressing crude oil theft, pipeline sabotage, and militant disruptions.
- Investment Attraction: Ensuring Nigeria remains a viable destination for foreign direct investment in the oil and gas sector.
Vision for the Future
Ojulari is expected to lead NNPCL into a new era of energy development, with a focus on:
- Sustainable oil and gas exploration.
- Massive investment in gas infrastructure to support domestic and export markets.
- Expanding Nigeria’s refining capacity to reduce dependence on imported fuel.
Conclusion
Engr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari’s appointment as the GCEO of NNPCL is a testament to his expertise, leadership, and deep knowledge of the petroleum industry. His decades-long experience in Shell, private consultancy, and corporate governance make him a strong candidate to lead Nigeria’s oil and gas sector into a new phase of growth and innovation.
As Nigeria moves towards achieving its energy goals, the industry will be watching Ojulari’s leadership closely. His ability to drive reforms, increase production, and attract investment will be key to shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas future.
