The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has announced that the company will resume oil drilling activities in northern Nigeria.
Ojulari made this known during an interview with BBC News Hausa on Monday, marking a major development over two years after the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari launched oil exploration at the Kolmani area on the Bauchi-Gombe border.
According to Ojulari, the suspended drilling project will now continue under his leadership. He acknowledged the initial excitement among northerners when Buhari’s administration began the project, aimed at transforming the region into an oil-producing zone like the Niger Delta. However, the project was halted for undisclosed reasons.
Ojulari assured residents that the NNPCL is returning to complete the work. “We will continue with the oil drilling in Kolmani and other locations. Afterward, we will also ensure the completion of the Ajaokuta-Kano gas pipeline,” he said.
He explained that these projects would revive inactive industries and stimulate new business opportunities in the region, ultimately boosting the economy. “This will benefit everyone through increased wealth. Therefore, we must resume and complete this project,” he stated.
He also recalled that in November 2022, President Buhari officially launched the Kolmani oil project—the first of its kind in northern Nigeria. In 2023, NNPCL also announced plans to begin crude drilling in Nasarawa State, located in the north-central region. However, that project has since stalled, prompting questions from the public about the delay.
Ojulari, who is himself from the north, expressed surprise at some of the backlash following his appointment. He called on northerners and Nigerians at large to support him and pray for the success of his tenure, as he works to advance the country’s energy sector.
Reconciliation with Dangote Refinery
Ojulari also revealed efforts to resolve tensions between the NNPCL and Dangote Petroleum Refinery. He acknowledged that a rift had existed between the two parties, especially concerning crude supply, under the former NNPCL leadership.
In March, the previous GCEO, Mele Kyari, suspended the naira-for-crude oil supply deal with Dangote Refinery, which contributed to a spike in fuel prices until the Federal Government later ordered the resumption of the arrangement.
Speaking on the matter, Ojulari said, “We’ve sat down and discussed the issues. Going forward, we will collaborate to ensure Nigerians can access fuel at filling stations without stress.”
He commended Aliko Dangote for his openness to dialogue and stressed that both parties must work together to ensure energy security in the country. “If any issue arises, we will resolve it through understanding—there will be no more disputes. NNPCL and Dangote Refinery will cooperate for Nigeria’s benefit,” he assured.
On Oil Prices and Revenue
Ojulari also addressed the current global oil price crash, stating that it has affected the nation’s projected revenue. “The national budget was based on the assumption that oil sales would generate significant income for development,” he said.
He emphasized that efforts are ongoing to reduce the cost of oil production. “If we successfully cut down operational expenses, the income from oil and gas sales will be sufficient to meet national needs,” he concluded.
ADEOLA KUNLE
