Niger Delta Group Issues 7-Day Ultimatum Over Refinery Shutdown, Alleged NNPCL Mismanagement
Ref: August 23, 2025
The Nigerian oil and gas industry is facing renewed tension as the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has accused the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under Bayo Ojulari of corruption, job cuts, and the shutdown of the Port-Harcourt Refinery.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the group, led by Sir Jothan Lokpobiri Snr and Engr. Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding Ojulari’s removal and prosecution.
They alleged that Ojulari diverted $21 million in NNPCL funds to a private account linked to his associate, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, who is already under EFCC investigation; sabotaged the Port-Harcourt Refinery—which resumed operations in December 2024 after a $1.5 billion overhaul—by shutting it down in May 2025 to allegedly sell off at scrap value; and illegally sacked over 400 workers, many of them Niger Delta youths.
“These actions are unforgivable crimes against the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state. Ojulari must not only vacate the office — he must face justice,” the statement read.
The Forum also insisted that the next NNPCL boss must be appointed from the Niger Delta, saying the region that produces the nation’s oil wealth should not continue to be marginalised.
Warning of mass action if their demands are ignored, the group said: “This is not a threat, but a warning born of deep concern. The fragile peace in the Niger Delta is being endangered by Ojulari’s conduct and federal silence. We will not sit by while our people are betrayed.”
#NNPCL #NigerDelta #Refinery #Corruption
Ref: August 23, 2025
The Nigerian oil and gas industry is facing renewed tension as the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has accused the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under Bayo Ojulari of corruption, job cuts, and the shutdown of the Port-Harcourt Refinery.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the group, led by Sir Jothan Lokpobiri Snr and Engr. Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding Ojulari’s removal and prosecution.
They alleged that Ojulari diverted $21 million in NNPCL funds to a private account linked to his associate, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, who is already under EFCC investigation; sabotaged the Port-Harcourt Refinery—which resumed operations in December 2024 after a $1.5 billion overhaul—by shutting it down in May 2025 to allegedly sell off at scrap value; and illegally sacked over 400 workers, many of them Niger Delta youths.
“These actions are unforgivable crimes against the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state. Ojulari must not only vacate the office — he must face justice,” the statement read.
The Forum also insisted that the next NNPCL boss must be appointed from the Niger Delta, saying the region that produces the nation’s oil wealth should not continue to be marginalised.
Warning of mass action if their demands are ignored, the group said: “This is not a threat, but a warning born of deep concern. The fragile peace in the Niger Delta is being endangered by Ojulari’s conduct and federal silence. We will not sit by while our people are betrayed.”
#NNPCL #NigerDelta #Refinery #Corruption
Niger Delta Group Issues 7-Day Ultimatum Over Refinery Shutdown, Alleged NNPCL Mismanagement
Ref: August 23, 2025
The Nigerian oil and gas industry is facing renewed tension as the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum has accused the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under Bayo Ojulari of corruption, job cuts, and the shutdown of the Port-Harcourt Refinery.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the group, led by Sir Jothan Lokpobiri Snr and Engr. Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding Ojulari’s removal and prosecution.
They alleged that Ojulari diverted $21 million in NNPCL funds to a private account linked to his associate, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, who is already under EFCC investigation; sabotaged the Port-Harcourt Refinery—which resumed operations in December 2024 after a $1.5 billion overhaul—by shutting it down in May 2025 to allegedly sell off at scrap value; and illegally sacked over 400 workers, many of them Niger Delta youths.
“These actions are unforgivable crimes against the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state. Ojulari must not only vacate the office — he must face justice,” the statement read.
The Forum also insisted that the next NNPCL boss must be appointed from the Niger Delta, saying the region that produces the nation’s oil wealth should not continue to be marginalised.
Warning of mass action if their demands are ignored, the group said: “This is not a threat, but a warning born of deep concern. The fragile peace in the Niger Delta is being endangered by Ojulari’s conduct and federal silence. We will not sit by while our people are betrayed.”
#NNPCL #NigerDelta #Refinery #Corruption
