A coalition of youth leaders from the oil-rich Niger Delta region this morning staged a protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja, effectively blocking access to its main entrance, to demand the immediate resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari.
The demonstrators arrived at the NNPCL Towers around 6 a.m., carrying placards and banners, obstructing traffic along Herbert Macaulay Way in the Central Business District. Security operatives were deployed to manage the disruption, with workers forced to park well away from the site .
Weeks prior, during a press briefing in Abuja, the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum issued a seven-day ultimatum, alleging that Ojulari had resigned on August 2, 2025, but had since “refused to vacate the office” .
The group leveled serious accusations against the GCEO, alleging he diverted $21 million of NNPCL funds into a private account belonging to his associate, Mr. Bashir Haske—a matter currently under EFCC investigation .
Further claims include the deliberate shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refinery on May 24, 2025—mere months after its December 2024 reopening following a $1.5 billion turnaround—amid plans to dismantle and sell it as scrap to cronies, while redirecting crude cargo allocations to allies . The youth leaders also accused Ojulari of illegally terminating over 400 employees, many from Niger Delta communities, worsening regional unemployment .
Describing Ojulari’s continued tenure as “unlawful” and “deeply offensive,” the group stated:
“His actions are not only unlawful but deeply offensive to the oil-producing Niger Delta region and damaging to the reputation of NNPCL.”
They declared:
“We therefore demand that Ojulari vacates the GCEO’s office within seven days… Nigeria cannot afford a national oil company without credible leadership.”
The group further insisted that Ojulari should face legal consequences:
“Beyond vacating office, Ojulari must also face full prosecution.”
They urged the President to appoint a new GCEO from the Niger Delta, asserting:
“We have many highly qualified, globally respected engineers and technocrats within and outside the NNPCL who can immediately provide effective leadership.”
As tensions rose, the group warned:
“If these demands are not met within seven days, the Niger Delta youths will be compelled to take decisive mass action… Such action will have far-reaching consequences for the peace and stability of the region. This is not a threat but a warning born out of deep concern.”
