NLNG MD Warns of 'Attack' on Oil and Gas Sector, Calls for Unity
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Dr. Philip Ojulari, the managing director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, has issued a stark warning to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), stating that the nation’s oil and gas sector is "under attack" and requires a united front to survive. He made the remarks during PENGASSAN's 7th Triennial Delegates' Conference in Port Harcourt.
The Threat Landscape
According to Dr. Ojulari, the industry faces an array of significant threats. He highlighted the global push for energy transition, which is driving a shift away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources. This transition, he noted, poses a long-term challenge to Nigeria's oil-dependent economy.
Furthermore, he pointed to a lack of investment in key infrastructure, persistent security issues in the Niger Delta region, and the rise of other African countries as major oil and gas producers. He emphasized that these challenges are internal and external, creating a complex and volatile environment for operators.
A Call for Collaboration
Dr. Ojulari urged PENGASSAN members to recognize the severity of these threats and work collaboratively with industry leaders and the government. He emphasized that the survival of the industry, and by extension the national economy, depends on the ability of all stakeholders to adapt, innovate, and address these challenges collectively.
"We must find a way to collaborate because the survival of our industry is our collective responsibility," he stated. "We are all under attack from a number of sides, and we must find a way to come together to defend it."
PENGASSAN's Response
In his address, the President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, acknowledged Dr. Ojulari’s concerns. He reaffirmed the union's commitment to protecting the interests of its members and the broader industry. He said the union is ready to partner with key stakeholders to tackle the challenges, but also called on the government to address lingering issues such as the nation's refineries' lack of operational capacity.
Read Full Press Statement:
We Are Under Attack, Ojulari Tells PENGASSAN
…As Oil Workers Thumb Up On-going Reforms at NNPC Ltd
Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has revealed that the Company is under attack from people who don't mean well for Nigeria and who are against the ongoing transformation efforts in the Company.
Ojulari disclosed this while playing host to a delegation from the national body of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday.
He said because change always comes with a price, the NNPC Management will not succumb to such attacks. Instead, it will work for the larger interest of Nigerians.
“We are under attack. We will not budge to short-term pressure, as it will not be in the best interest of Nigerians. You cannot drive change without a price, and the transformation is tough,” Ojulari explained.
The GCEO emphasised that patience will be required from the Nigerian people at large to get to the other side of change, which will benefit Nigeria and her citizens.
He reiterated his commitment to stay focused in driving the mandate given to the team by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While thanking the leadership of the Union for its support, Ojulari assured them to stay calm and build resilience to stay focused during these trials.
“I am overwhelmed with the support from the union executives present here. The enemies of this company and Nigerians will not win,” he added.
He said since coming on board about five months ago, his Management Team prioritised reviving the nation's refineries in order to put them back into more sustainable and profitable venture by considering the Incorporated Joint Venture (IJV) model.
"Mr. President doesn’t pressure me to do the wrong thing. That is why we are looking at the baseline to ensure whatever we are doing, the refineries work sustainably going forward. We don’t want to pretend and just do some quick fix because there is pressure on us,” Ojulari added.
Earlier in his address, the President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Festus Osifo, said the oil workers union came to thank the NNPC Management for its partnership during the recently held 2025 PENGASSAN Energy & Labour Summit (PEALS) in Abuja.
The Union also acknowledged the “remarkable milestones” recorded so far under the GCEO’s watch.
“Our pipelines are now working. Also, crude oil theft has significantly reduced, leading to increased production. As PENGASSAN, we assure you that we are solidly behind you. We will work with you and collaborate with your team to ensure the stability of the system for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he concluded.
Signed
NNPC Ltd
Abuja
28th August 2025
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