As NNPCL Welcomes Bayo Ojulari, Here’s a List of All Past CEOs Since 1977
Following the appointment of Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), OSUN DEFENDER has compiled a list of previous CEOs who have led the national oil company since its inception in 1977.
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu appointed Bayo Ojulari, the vice-president of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, as NNPCL’s new GCEO.
This appointment makes Ojulari the 20th person to hold this position.
Mele Kyari, the former GCEO, served the longest tenure, from July 2019 to April 2025.
During his leadership, NNPC transitioned to a limited liability company (NNPCL) in 2022, although his time in office was marked by fuel shortages and operational challenges.
Bayo Ojulari, the new GCEO, brings vast experience to the role.
A mechanical engineer from Kwara State, Ojulari spearheaded the $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.
He has worked with Shell since 1991, advancing through various roles, and was appointed managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company in 2015.
In 2021, he founded BAT Advisory and Energy Company Nigeria Ltd, offering consultancy services to companies in the energy sector.
Below is the list of CEOs who have led the NNPC since its establishment:
1. Chief R. A. Marinho (July 1977 – April 1980)
2. Chief Odiligi Lolomari (April 1980 – August 1981)
3. Mr. Lawrence Amu (October 1981 – November 1985)
4. Mr. Aret Adams (November 1985 – April 1990)
5. Dr. Thomas John (April 1990 – June 1990)
6. Mr. Edmund Daukoru (June 1992 – October 1993)
7. Chief Chamberlain Oyibo (November 1993 – August 1995)
8. Alh. Dalhatu Bayero (August 1995 – May 1999)
9. Jackson Gaius Obaseki (May 1999 – November 2003)
10. Funsho Kupolokun (November 2003 – December 2007)
11. Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua (August 2007 – January 2009)
12. Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo (January 2009 – April 2010)
13. Shehu Ladan (April 2010 – May 2010)
14. Austine Oniwon (May 2010 – June 2012)
15. Andrew Yakubu (June 2012 – August 2014)
16. Joseph Thlama Dawha (August 2014 – August 2015)
17. Ibe Kachikwu (July 2015 – August 2016)
18. Maikanti Baru (August 2016 – June 2019)
19. Mele Kyari (July 2019 – April 2025)
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
