Bayo Ojulari Faces Resignation Calls Over Refinery Deal

Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is under scrutiny following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with two Chinese firms aimed at rehabilitating Nigeria's refineries, specifically in Port Harcourt and Warri. Edward Abakpa, a public affairs analyst and civil society advocate, has called for Ojulari's resignation, citing concerns over the transparency of the rehabilitation process and the spending of $3.5 billion on previous refinery rehabilitation efforts.

Abakpa emphasized that Nigerians deserve a detailed public audit of past expenditures and expressed skepticism about the new partnership, arguing that unresolved questions regarding previous spending cast doubt on the viability of future agreements. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association have also reportedly called for the suspension of the deal, highlighting the need for accountability in the use of public funds.