A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including OilWatch Nigeria (OWN), Workers’ Rights Alliance (WRA), and Concerned Citizens, has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu over the reported removal of Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement presented during a press briefing held near the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday in Abuja, the coalition accused Ojulari of causing significant harm to Nigeria’s economy and eroding public trust in governance.
“We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Ojulari to ensure accountability for his egregious atrocities, which have robbed Nigerians of their collective wealth and future,” they said.
Describing the alleged dismissal as timely and necessary, the group lauded Tinubu for what they termed a decisive action against corruption.
“This bold decision is a testament to the President’s commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s vital oil sector. By acting swiftly, President Tinubu has sent a clear message that his administration will not tolerate economic sabotage or betrayal of public trust. This action aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises transparency, accountability, and prosperity for all Nigerians. We applaud the President for prioritizing the interests of the nation over those of a corrupt few, and we urge him to continue this momentum by ensuring justice is fully served,” the CSOs said.
The organisations further praised the EFCC and other security agencies for what they described as prompt measures to prevent Ojulari from fleeing the country, pointing to the reported confiscation of his passports and a red alert issued at airports.
“These alleged actions ensure that Ojulari cannot flee the country to escape accountability for his alleged crimes, including the (alleged) ₦34.65 billion scandal. We salute the professionalism of our security forces and encourage them to maintain this resolve as they pursue a thorough investigation and prosecution of Ojulari and his accomplices,” the coalition said.
They also revealed plans to engage the international community in the matter.
“To further safeguard justice, OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens will submit formal letters to the US Embassy, EU Delegation, and UK High Commission in Nigeria by Friday, August 8, 2025, urging them to impose a travel ban on Bayo Ojulari and his known cronies,” they added.
The group further urged Tinubu to go beyond the reported sack by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery, describing it as vital to the country’s economic future.
“We call on our dear President Tinubu, whose love for Nigeria has been demonstrated through this action, to take further steps by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Reviving this critical asset will restore Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, create jobs, and benefit millions of Nigerians. It is the height of economic sabotage to keep this refinery shut because of one man’s desire to sell it to his allies as scrap, and divert its crude oil allocation to cronies for personal gain.
“We also demand that the EFCC expedite Ojulari’s prosecution for the (alleged) ₦34.65 billion scandal, crude oil diversion, and other corrupt practices. Justice must be swift and transparent to deter future economic sabotage,” they added.
