Why we withdrew demand for NNPCL boss Ojulari’s removal — Experts

Oil and gas experts have provided insights into why they withdrew their call for the removal of NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari. The Association of Energy Policy Development, in a statement released on Saturday by its President, Ibrahim Danjuma, disclosed that they had initially relied on incomplete and misleading information when they demanded Ojulari's dismissal.

This association had previously advocated for Ojulari's removal due to alleged lack of transparency and opacity in the state-owned firm's operations under his leadership. However, in a surprising turnaround, the association stated that subsequent investigations revealed their earlier criticism of the firm was unjustified. Danjuma explained that after conducting further investigations, reviewing additional documents, and engaging with industry stakeholders, they had retracted their position.

The association's shift in stance comes after Ojulari faced criticism over his alleged involvement in the awarding of oil blocks to cronies and friends during the recent licensing round conducted by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Despite these allegations, NNPCL defended Ojulari, stating that two Nigerian oil blocks were awarded to his friends during the licensing process.