What makes Bashir Bayo Ojulari a key figure in Nigeria’s oil industry? Explore his rise in this Bashir Bayo Ojulari Biography.
Bashir Bayo Ojulari is a renowned Nigerian engineer and expert in petroleum, process, and production engineering. With over three decades of experience in the energy sector, he has significantly contributed to the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
As the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Ojulari continues to shape the future of the nation’s energy sector. His career, marked by several leadership positions, strategic achievements, and remarkable deals, solidifies his reputation as a key figure in the global energy industry.
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Bashir Bayo Ojulari Biography
Bashir Bayo Ojulari is a seasoned Nigerian engineer and petroleum industry expert, currently serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). With over three decades of experience spanning petroleum, process, and production engineering, Ojulari has played critical roles in Nigeria’s energy sector and on the international stage.
On April 2, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ojulari as the new GCEO of NNPC Ltd., a strategic decision carried out under Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. This appointment marked a significant leadership transition, following the exit of former GCEO Mele Kyari.
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Early Life and Education
Ojulari earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1989. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for a dynamic career in petroleum engineering and strategic energy management.
Professional Career
Early Career and Rise at Shell
Ojulari began his professional journey in 1989 with Elf Petroleum Nigeria, where he worked as a field and process engineer. In 1991, he joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as an associate production technologist. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks, gaining extensive international experience with assignments in Europe and the Middle East. His work at Shell covered a broad spectrum of roles in petroleum, process, and production engineering, strategic planning, and health and safety operations.
Between June 1994 and October 1995, he was part of Shell’s integrated studies team at its headquarters in the Netherlands. By 1997, he had taken up the position of Head of Planning, Economics, and Budgeting at SPDC, and two years later, he was transferred to Oman, where he served as Head of Production Technologists and Asset Leader.
In 2003, Ojulari returned to Shell’s headquarters as a regional planner for Sub-Saharan Africa. He subsequently held several senior positions at SPDC, including Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy, and Asset Development for onshore and shallow water operations.
Leadership at SNEPCo
In November 2015, Ojulari was appointed Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and concurrently served as General Manager of Shell’s Deepwater division. As MD of SNEPCo, he was instrumental in overseeing Nigeria’s first deepwater project — the Bonga Field — and successfully increased production output to 320,000 barrels per day. His leadership introduced cost optimization strategies that slashed operational expenses by 30 percent. He served on the board of SPDC, where he contributed to technical integration, petroleum engineering, and deepwater project execution.
Ojulari retired from Shell in July 2021 after over 30 years of service.
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Post-Shell Ventures and Landmark Acquisition
Following his retirement, Ojulari established BAT Advisory & Energy, a firm providing consultancy in upstream and midstream oil and gas operations. He chaired the board and guided strategic advisory services across the sector.
In January 2024, he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company. In this capacity, he led a consortium of indigenous energy companies—including ND Western, Aradel Energy, First Exploration & Production (E&P), Waltersmith, and Petrolin—in a landmark $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) onshore assets. This deal marked a significant shift toward local participation in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Professional Affiliations and Contributions
Ojulari is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and has been an influential figure within Nigeria’s engineering community. He has held various leadership roles, including Chairman and Trustee Board Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigerian Council. His contributions to industry development and policy engagement have been widely recognized.
Personal Life
Originally from Kwara State, Nigeria, Bayo Ojulari is married and has children. He is known for his strong leadership, technical acumen, and commitment to fostering indigenous capacity in Nigeria’s energy industry.
Rise in the Oil & Gas Industry
Over the years, Ojulari steadily climbed the ranks within Shell, holding diverse roles in petroleum engineering, strategic planning, and asset management. His contributions were not limited to Nigeria—his career also spans Europe and the Middle East, where he served in several high-level technical and executive positions.
In 2015, he was appointed the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO). During his tenure, he successfully led complex offshore operations and large-scale project executions, including Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit—one of Nigeria’s largest offshore oil fields.
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Leadership at Renaissance Africa Energy
Before his appointment to NNPC, Ojulari served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Company. One of his most notable accomplishments at Renaissance was leading a $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) by a consortium of indigenous Nigerian companies—a historic deal in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Appointment as NNPC GCEO
On April 22, 2025, President Bola Tinubu announced the appointment of Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Managing Director and CEO of NNPC Limited. The announcement was made through Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. This strategic reshuffle saw the exit of former GCEO Mele Kyari.
The appointment was carried out under Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which empowers the President to make executive decisions on the governance of the national oil company.
Contributions to Engineering and Energy Reforms
Ojulari is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and has served as Chairman and Board Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council). His career reflects a deep commitment to the professional development of engineers in Nigeria and to advancing best practices in petroleum engineering and sustainable energy development.
Under his leadership, Nigeria expects to unlock major investment potential in the energy sector. His strategic vision aligns with President Tinubu’s energy reforms aimed at unlocking $2.5 billion in investment by 2030.
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Key Milestones in Bashir Bayo Ojulari’s Career
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. |
| 2015 | Appointed MD of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) |
| 2020s | Led $2.4B Shell acquisition at Renaissance Africa Energy |
| 2025 | Appointed GCEO of NNPC Limited by President Tinubu |
Conclusion on Bashir Bayo Ojulari Biography
Bashir Bayo Ojulari is a seasoned Nigerian engineer and oil industry leader currently serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Born and trained in Nigeria, Ojulari earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1989.
He began his career at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Shell in 1991, where he rose through various technical and leadership roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Notably, he served as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) from 2015 to 2021, overseeing major projects like the Bonga deepwater field.
Ojulari is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and has significantly influenced Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through strategic planning, project execution, and operational efficiency. In 2024, he joined Renaissance African Energy as Executive VP and COO, where he led a $2.4 billion consortium acquisition of Shell’s onshore assets. On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as GCEO of NNPCL, marking a new chapter in his impactful career.
