Niger Delta Youths Slam Critics, Endorse NNPCL Boss Ojulari

Niger Delta youths have held a solidarity march at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja, declaring support for the company’s chief executive, Bayo Ojulari.

The march, which took place on Friday, was organised to counter an earlier protest by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). The IYC had accused Ojulari of failing to represent the interests of oil-producing communities, but the counter-protesters said those claims were politically motivated and not a true reflection of the aspirations of oil-bearing communities.

According to the youths, Ojulari’s leadership at NNPCL since assuming office on 2 April 2025, his has focused on transparency, innovation, and strengthening national energy security. They insist his efforts to reposition the oil and gas sector had restored confidence among stakeholders and communities, stressing that his reform-driven style should be supported rather than discredited.

Speaking further, leaders of the counter-protest explained that Ojulari’s technocratic approach, particularly his push to revive Nigeria’s refineries and strengthen host community partnerships, had already begun yielding results. They noted that the recent criticisms were baseless attempts to derail much-needed reforms, but assured that Niger Delta youths would continue to defend a leadership that prioritises fairness and accountability.

The demonstration comes a day after Ojulari revealed that he and members of his management team had received threats linked to their reform agenda. He alleged that vested interests resistant to change were behind attempts to discredit his leadership and possibly force him out of office.

The Niger Delta youths called for the backing Ojulari’s policies to protect oil production and secure Nigeria’s energy future.