The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has pledged the company’s continued commitment to oil exploration in northern Nigeria, particularly in the Kolmani oil field located in the North-East.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC, Ojulari announced that drilling operations at Kolmani will soon resume, reaffirming the NNPCL’s dedication to driving development in the region.
“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,” Ojulari stated.
He emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader vision to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the North. “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.
Kolmani’s oil field, originally explored in the 1970s by Shell but later abandoned, was revived by NNPCL through exploration of Kolmani River wells 2, 3, and 4. The renewed effort led to the discovery of over 1 billion barrels of crude oil and 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The field was officially launched on November 22, 2022, by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Addressing questions about his heritage, Ojulari firmly identified with the region, saying, “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.”
“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,” he added, calling for unity and prayer to support NNPCL’s mission.
On the ongoing dispute between NNPCL and the Dangote Group, Ojulari confirmed that both parties have begun dialogue to resolve their differences amicably.
“Dangote has made significant contributions, which deserve commendation,” he said. “We’ve held talks to resolve the conflict. Going forward, we’ll collaborate to ensure consistent fuel supply for Nigerians.”
He assured that any future disputes would be handled peacefully: “You won’t hear of any more clashes between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery. We’ll work together for Nigeria’s benefit.”
Speaking on the recent drop in global oil prices, Ojulari noted that the decline poses a challenge for Nigeria’s economy.
“This decline affects Nigeria’s budget since a major part of it relies on projected oil revenue,” he explained, adding that the NNPCL is working to reduce operational costs to maintain profitability.
He also addressed concerns about local fuel prices remaining high despite the global drop, explaining that it takes time for market dynamics 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 said.
Ojulari’s comments underline NNPCL’s resolve to lead transformative energy projects while fostering unity and economic growth across Nigeria.
