By IDNN Business Desk
**NNPCL Fires Refinery MDs Across Three States**
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has terminated the appointments of the Managing Directors of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. This sweeping move comes under the leadership of newly appointed Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, following the ouster of Mele Kyari earlier this month.
The development is viewed as one of the boldest management overhauls in Nigeria’s oil sector in recent memory.
**Why This Shake-Up Matters**
The refineries have been under severe public scrutiny, operating at less than 10% capacity for years despite billions in turnaround maintenance spending. With the Port Harcourt Refinery reportedly nearing completion of repairs, stakeholders believe this is a strategic move to avoid political recycling of failed leadership.
“This signals a shift from comfort zone governance to performance-based control,” one senior industry source told IDNN.
**Who Was Removed?**
According to verified reports, the following officials were affected:
– **Port Harcourt Refining Company:** Ibrahim Onoja
– **Warri Refining & Petrochemical Company:** Efifia Chu
– **Kaduna Refining Company:** Dr. Mustafa Sugungun
These sackings follow a pattern of leadership overhaul that began with Kyari’s own removal earlier in April.
**Enter Bayo Ojulari: What’s the Vision?**
Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive, has been tasked with reviving investor confidence in NNPCL and building a credible national refining roadmap. His appointment was received with cautious optimism by international stakeholders and energy watchdogs.
Analysts believe his biggest challenge will be reducing Nigeria’s over-dependence on imported refined fuel, a reality that costs the country billions annually.
**A Signal to the Industry — Or More Political Theatre?**
While many applaud the move, some remain skeptical. “We’ve seen sackings before without performance gains,” says Dr. Ayodele Ogunbiyi of SBM Intelligence. “What happens next will determine if this is just another headline.”
However, for a government eager to prove its reformist stance, this refinery purge may be the clearest message yet — business as usual is over.
—
**IDNN will continue monitoring appointments, refinery progress, and the future of Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy.**
