Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), is a distinguished Nigerian engineer with a wealth of experience in petroleum, process, and production engineering. His career spans several decades, during which he has held key leadership roles in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Ojulari hails from Kwara State and pursued his higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from 1985 to 1989, laying the foundation for his future contributions to the oil and gas industry.
Professional Journey
Ojulari began his career as the first Nigerian process engineer at Elf Aquitaine, a significant milestone in his early professional years. In 1991, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company, marking the beginning of a long and impactful tenure in the global oil and gas industry.
Over the years, he ascended through various managerial and technical roles, demonstrating expertise in petroleum engineering, process engineering, production engineering, and health and safety. His leadership extended beyond Nigeria, as he held strategic roles in Europe and the Middle East, contributing to major projects and operational improvements.
Leadership at SNEPCo and Shell
Ojulari’s leadership capabilities were further solidified when he was appointed Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) in November 2015. As the General Manager of Deepwater, he played a crucial role in overseeing offshore oil and gas projects. He was also a board member of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), where he was responsible for onshore and offshore petroleum engineering, technical integration of development, well engineering, and project engineering.
Executive Roles Before NNPC Appointment
Before his appointment as NNPC CEO, Ojulari served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, further broadening his leadership experience in the energy sector.
Professional Affiliations
Ojulari is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a testament to his contributions to engineering and the oil and gas industry. He also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigeria Council) from 1998 to 1999, reinforcing his commitment to industry growth and professional development.
Expectations at NNPC
With his vast industry experience and leadership acumen, Ojulari is expected to drive innovation, efficiency, and strategic growth at NNPC. His appointment signals a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector and positioning the company for global competitiveness.
