President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the newly reconstituted board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), appointing Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the President’s office in the State House, Abuja, took place shortly before President Tinubu attended the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit at the Presidential Villa.
In his remarks, Tinubu emphasized the importance of competent leadership in steering the oil sector. “This board reflects our commitment to professionalism, regional balance, and reform under the Petroleum Industry Act,” the President said.
The 11-member board, composed of seasoned industry professionals and technocrats from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, is expected to drive the strategic transformation of the nation’s energy sector.
Ojulari, who now heads the national oil company, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “It is an honor to serve at such a crucial time. We will work tirelessly to enhance transparency, efficiency, and performance at NNPCL,” he said.
Newly appointed Non-Executive Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida also pledged to support the board’s mission. “Together, we will uphold the trust placed in us and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s energy security,” he stated.
Other board members include Adedapo Segun and Bello Rabiu (North West), Yusuf Usman (North East), Babs Omotowa (North Central), Austin Avuru (South-South), David Ige (South-West), and Henry Obih (South-East).
Representatives from key ministries were also sworn in, including Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the appointments took effect from April 2, 2025, signaling what it called “a new chapter” in Nigeria’s oil and gas reforms.
