Poor Output Scandal: Ojulari Ruthlessly Sacks 3 Refinery Bosses

Ojulari Fires 3 Refinery Chiefs Over Poor Output

Bayo Ojulari has shaken the foundation of Nigeria’s oil refinery sector. In a bold move, he fires the managing directors of three key NNPC refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

This decision comes as he attempts to tackle what insiders describe as persistent underperformance and a growing waste culture and in simple terms, poor output.

According to top NNPC officials, Ojulari acted swiftly to stop what they called the “continued value erosion” within Nigeria’s refining industry.

The sacked refinery heads were reportedly informed of their dismissal without delay.

Insiders say the change was effective immediately, and the new strategy was designed to spark urgent improvements.

Sources familiar with the matter explained that Ojulari wants to position the refineries for better efficiency and higher productivity.

His broader goal is to reverse years of financial leakage and mismanagement that have plagued these facilities.

“The primary objective of the restructuring is to halt the ongoing loss of value in the short term and to develop a credible, long-term strategy that will restore and maximise value for the federation,” an official familiar with the decision told The Gazette.

The shake-up follows Ojulari’s earlier move just days ago when he let go of several top executives in the state-run oil corporation.

Industry watchers say the recent dismissals reflect a deep-rooted plan to overhaul a system riddled with inefficiencies.

Ojulari didn’t stop at firings. He also launched a high-level assessment team to inspect all NNPC refineries.

This taskforce, led by Mumuni Dagazzau, NNPC’s vice-president of downstream operations, has been instructed to begin an urgent audit of the plants.

According to sources, the team will visit each refinery to understand its current state.

Their findings will help shape future decisions on whether to rehabilitate, privatize, or overhaul specific facilities.

One official close to the situation described the move as a “mission to identify what works, what doesn’t, and what must change now.”

While many within the industry see the step as overdue, some believe the abrupt removal of refinery chiefs signals deeper trouble in the sector.

For years, Nigeria has struggled to maintain its refineries, with billions spent on turnaround maintenance that yielded little progress.

Fuel imports have soared, and citizens have borne the brunt of rising costs despite the country’s massive oil reserves.

Ojulari’s decisions mark a sharp break from the past. Under his leadership, NNPC appears to be adopting a tougher, more results-driven approach.

Several employees who spoke to The Gazette on condition of anonymity said they were relieved to see accountability finally taking shape at the top level.

“No one is safe anymore. If you’re not performing, you’ll be asked to go. It’s that simple now,” one mid-level refinery worker said.

The NNPC is yet to release an official statement. A spokesperson did not respond to calls and messages requesting comments.

Meanwhile, the sacked officials have remained silent, and their whereabouts are currently unknown.

Ojulari’s firm actions have sent a clear message: performance will determine survival in the new NNPC.

The clean sweep at the top signals a new era where results matter more than titles.

The broader Nigerian public, long frustrated by fuel shortages and unreliable refinery operations, will be watching closely.

For now, many hope that these firings are not just cosmetic changes but the first real step toward fixing a broken system.

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With billions at stake and national pride on the line, Ojulari’s next steps could define the future of Nigeria’s energy independence.