The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Bayo Ojulari, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continuing oil exploration in northern Nigeria, promising that activities at the Kolmani oil field in the North-East will soon resume.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Mr Ojulari provided assurances to northern communities that the NNPCL is not relenting on its efforts. “We will continue the drilling in Kolmani and other sites. Beyond oil exploration, we are also committed to completing the gas pipeline project from Ajaokuta to Kano,” he stated.
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According to him, these initiatives aim to revitalise the regional economy. “This development will bring economic benefits to the region, uplifting everyone through shared prosperity. That’s why we must return to the site and keep the work going,” he added.
The Kolmani oil field has a long and complex history. Initially explored in the 1970s by Shell, the site was later abandoned due to disappointing outcomes. However, the NNPCL rekindled interest through the Kolmani River wells 2, 3, and 4, which led to the discovery of more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil and 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The project was officially launched on 22 November 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting to speculation about his background, Mr Ojulari addressed doubts regarding his northern identity. “I was surprised when people said I was not from the North. I am a child of the North, and I come from Ilorin. I was brought up in Kaduna State. I started learning Yoruba when I was 15 years old,” he explained.
“When I left Kaduna, I went to Zaria to study, so I am a northerner. I need the support of the North to do this work well and bring development to the North and the whole of Nigeria. I need everyone’s prayers as this work is not what one person can do. We need to work together to ensure Nigeria’s progress.”
On the topic of the ongoing tension between NNPCL and the Dangote Group, Ojulari revealed that both sides have initiated peace talks. “Dangote has made significant contributions, which deserve commendation. We’ve held talks to resolve the conflict. Going forward, we’ll collaborate to ensure consistent fuel supply for Nigerians,” he said.
He emphasised that disputes will be handled differently in the future. “You won’t hear of any more clashes between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery. We’ll work together for Nigeria’s benefit.”
Mr Ojulari also commented on the impact of falling global oil prices, noting that this could significantly affect Nigeria’s revenue. “This decline affects Nigeria’s budget since a major part of it relies on projected oil revenue,” he noted. In response, NNPCL is working to reduce operational costs and optimise oil and gas revenues.
Addressing public concerns about why fuel prices remain high locally despite the drop in global oil prices, he explained that dealers need time to adjust. “If they bought fuel at a higher price before the drop, they’ll need to sell at that old rate. But with new purchases at lower prices, we expect local prices to eventually reflect the change,” he added.
Mr Ojulari’s comments signal a strategic direction focused on regional development, stakeholder collaboration, and economic resilience amid global oil market fluctuations. His pledge to continue exploration and foster unity underscores NNPCL’s role in driving national progress.
