The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bayo Ojulari, has said the company is under attack from forces opposed to its ongoing transformation agenda.

Ojulari disclosed this on Thursday while hosting the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

According to him, change comes at a cost, and the management of NNPC Ltd. would not bow to pressure from individuals attempting to derail reforms designed to reposition the company for Nigerians’ benefit.

“We are under attack. We will not yield to short-term pressure, as it is not in the nation’s best interest. You cannot drive change without paying a price, and the transformation is tough,” Ojulari was quoted as saying in a statement posted on the company’s official Facebook page.

He urged patience as the reform process unfolds and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ojulari added that since assuming office five months ago, his efforts had focused on reviving Nigeria’s refineries through the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model. He explained that this approach would guarantee sustainable operations instead of temporary fixes.

“Mr President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are working from the baseline to ensure that whatever is done, the refineries will operate sustainably going forward,” he said.

In his remarks, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, commended the NNPC management for its partnership during the 2025 Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja. He also praised improvements in crude oil production and the reduction of oil theft under Ojulari’s leadership.

“Our pipelines are now functioning. Crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased output. As PENGASSAN, we assure you of our full support. We will work with you to ensure system stability for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Osifo said.