Niger Delta Coalition Condemns Attacks on NNPCL Boss Bashir Ojulari, Applauds Tinubu’s Oil Sector Reforms

The Coalition of Niger Delta People for Development (CONFODEV), an umbrella body comprising several pan-Niger Delta groups, has condemned recent attacks against the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.

The coalition, which includes the Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA), Niger Delta Renaissance and Development Movement, Rivers State Ex-Agitators Network, Ndigbo Progressive Youths Coalition, Niger Delta Liberators, and Ex-Agitators Forum, described the allegations of corruption and marginalisation against Mr. Ojulari and by extension President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “baseless, politically motivated and the handiwork of enemies of development.”

Speaking in a press briefing on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Director General of the Coalition, and Convener, Niger Delta Development Agenda (NDDA) Comr. Iteveh Nurudeen Ekpokpobe, said the attacks represent corruption fighting back against reforms initiated by the new GCEO.

“Mr. Ojulari assumed office barely four months ago, and within this short period, he has introduced turnaround initiatives that have boosted crude oil production to near-peak levels, revitalized infrastructure, and extended empowerment projects to host communities in the Niger Delta,” Ekpokpobe stated.

He noted that vested interests who thrived on the old corrupt system have become unsettled by Mr. Ojulari’s drive for fairness, transparency, and equity in the oil sector.

Coalition of Niger Delta People for Development (CONFODEV) led by Comr. Iteveh Nurudeen Ekpokpobe (middle), addresses the Press over recent attacks on NNPCL GCEO Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari.

“For context, previous managements of the NNPCL nepotistically awarded contracts that fueled inter-ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta. Today, Mr. Ojulari’s resolve to introduce equity in contract awards has unsettled those who benefited from injustice,” the coalition declared.

CONFODEV emphasized that real peace comes from justice and fair play, stressing that the GCEO represents that balance.

Accordingly, the coalition: condemned politically sponsored smear campaigns against the NNPCL GCEO, passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Bashir Ojulari for repositioning Nigeria’s oil sector and fostering equitable development in the Niger Delta, and urged Niger Delta youths not to be used as pawns by corrupt interests.

They also called on the Presidency and Ojulari to remain focused on breaking pipeline surveillance contracts along ethnic lines.

The coalition described those calling for Ojulari’s sack as “agents of sabotage,” insisting that Nigerians must rally behind a leader whose vision aligns with national aspirations for a just and transparent oil industry.

“In conclusion, CONFODEV remains steadfast in mobilizing support for reforms that guarantee equity in the oil sector. We will not fold our arms while enemies of progress attempt to drag us back into an era of exploitation and injustice,” Ekpokpobe added.