Nigerians have criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) under the leadership of Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, following the continued shutdown of the country’s refineries despite billions of naira reportedly spent on their rehabilitation.
The backlash comes after NNPC released a report highlighting what it called “key milestones” achieved during Ojulari’s first 100 days in office.
The report, which outlined targets such as raising oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and increasing refining capacity to 200,000 barrels per day, has been met with skepticism.
Ojulari was appointed on April 2, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, as part of a broad overhaul of the NNPC board.
His appointment was seen as an opportunity to reform the national oil company amid long-standing issues of inefficiency, corruption, and poor transparency.
Despite the company’s claims of progress, many Nigerians took to social media to express frustration, noting that the country’s major refineries remain non-operational.
The hashtag #NNPC100Days trended briefly as citizens questioned the outcomes of the reported rehabilitation projects.
Akin Ajagbe, a public affairs analyst, said:
“Where are our refineries? What is happening to them after you spent billions of naira for rehabilitation? Ojulari’s NNPC claims ‘milestones,’ but the Senate is probing ₦210 trillion unaccounted for. How do you celebrate when you can’t explain missing funds?”
Others criticized the high cost of petrol, which now sells for over ₦900 per litre in some parts of the country, and the continued reliance on fuel imports.
Adamu Kure, a resident of Kaduna, remarked:
“NNPC is celebrating 100 days of Ojulari with a fancy scorecard, but Nigerians are still queuing for fuel. Where is the energy security they promised?”
Industry watchers have also raised concerns about the actual status of the refineries. Warri Refinery has reportedly remained shut since January 2025, while the Port Harcourt Refinery is said to be operating at below 40 percent capacity.
“NNPC’s refinery rehab claims vs reality: Warri Refinery is shut down, and Port Harcourt is barely functional. Billions spent with no results,” said Babale Karl, an oil and gas analyst.
Some citizens accused the leadership of prioritizing public relations over tangible results.
“This is not a scorecard of achievements. It’s a political document filled with projections, not performance,” said Simi Coker, a commentator.
While NNPC insists it is on track to reform the oil sector and attract investment, many Nigerians say real progress can only be measured when the refineries are operational and fuel becomes more affordable.
