Niger Delta Youths Stage Major Protest at NNPC Towers, Demand CEO’s Resignation
In a dramatic display of dissent, youth leaders from the Niger Delta region brought Nigeria’s capital to a standstill on Wednesday as they staged a massive protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja. The demonstration, which began in the early hours of the morning, saw hundreds of youths voicing their frustration over alleged corruption and regional marginalization within the country’s oil sector.
Early Morning Blockade Disrupts Business District
The protestors arrived at the NNPC Towers as early as 6:00 AM, strategically positioning themselves to block both entrance and exit gates of the corporate headquarters. The sheer number of demonstrators created an immediate impact, forcing employees and visitors to alter their plans while drawing significant attention from security personnel and passersby.
As the morning progressed, the youth leaders expanded their demonstration to the surrounding streets, marching along Herbert Macaulay Way in the Central Business District. The procession significantly disrupted vehicular traffic, creating bottlenecks that stretched for blocks around the area. Commuters faced extended delays as the protestors maintained their presence throughout the morning hours.
Banners and Slogans: The Core Demands
The demonstrators carried prominently displayed banners with clear, uncompromising messages directed at NNPC leadership. One particularly visible banner called for the immediate resignation of Engr. Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, citing allegations of “corruption and mismanagement” within the company.
Another central demand focused on regional representation. The youth leaders insisted that the next GCEO of NNPC should be an indigene of the Niger Delta region—the area that produces the vast majority of Nigeria’s oil wealth but has historically seen limited benefits from this resource.
“Why should those who bear the environmental burden of oil extraction be excluded from leadership positions?” one protestor asked, capturing the sentiment of many demonstrators. “We have qualified professionals from the Niger Delta who understand our challenges and can lead with integrity.”
Security Response and Traffic Management
Security agents, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, were deployed to maintain order and ensure the situation remained peaceful. Rather than attempting to disperse the crowd, officers focused on traffic management, diverting vehicles to one lane of the dual carriageway leading to the NNPC towers.
The security presence appeared calculated to prevent escalation while acknowledging the protestors’ right to peaceful assembly. Workers arriving at the NNPC towers and surrounding offices were forced to park their vehicles at considerable distances from the complex and complete their journeys on foot.
Historical Context: Niger Delta and Oil Politics
The protest did not occur in isolation but rather represents the latest chapter in the long-standing tensions between the Niger Delta region and Nigeria’s federal oil establishment. For decades, communities in the oil-producing areas have complained of environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and limited representation in the leadership of the industry that defines their region.
Previous administrations have attempted to address these concerns through various development initiatives and appointment quotas, but many in the Niger Delta argue that meaningful change remains elusive. The current protest suggests that these frustrations have reached another boiling point, particularly under the leadership of Engr. Ojulari.
Who is Engr. Bashir Ojulari?
Engr. Bashir Ojulari assumed the role of Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited in 2023, bringing with him extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. Before his appointment, he served in various leadership positions within the corporation, earning recognition for his technical expertise and management capabilities.
However, his tenure has faced criticism from certain quarters, particularly regarding transparency in contracting processes and community engagement initiatives. The protestors’ allegations of corruption, while yet to be substantiated with specific evidence, reflect growing discontent with his leadership among certain stakeholder groups.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Oil Sector
Nigeria’s oil industry remains the backbone of the national economy, accounting for approximately 90% of foreign exchange earnings and more than half of government revenues. Any significant disruption or controversy within NNPC—Africa’s largest oil company—carries implications that extend far beyond corporate headquarters.
Industry analysts are watching the situation closely, noting that prolonged unrest or leadership uncertainty could potentially affect investor confidence at a time when Nigeria is attempting to attract foreign investment into its energy sector. The government’s response to the protestors’ demands may signal its approach to balancing regional interests with national economic priorities.
What Happens Next?
As of Wednesday afternoon, the protestors remained at the NNPC towers, showing no immediate signs of dispersing. NNPC management has yet to issue an official statement addressing the demonstration or the specific allegations against Engr. Ojulari.
The situation presents a delicate challenge for authorities: how to address legitimate grievances without appearing to capitulate to pressure tactics. The coming days will likely see behind-the-scenes negotiations between government officials, NNPC leadership, and representatives from the Niger Delta region.
Meanwhile, employees and visitors to the NNPC towers continue to navigate the disrupted access, a tangible reminder of the complex relationship between Nigeria’s oil wealth and the people who live where it originates.
A Pattern of Energy Sector Protests
This protest follows a pattern of demonstrations targeting Nigeria’s energy sector institutions. In recent years, various groups have organized similar actions to demand better environmental practices, more local hiring, increased community development projects, and greater regional representation in leadership positions.
What makes Wednesday’s protest notable is its location—targeting the national headquarters in the capital rather than operational facilities in the Niger Delta—and its specific focus on the removal of the current CEO. This shift in strategy suggests a more sophisticated approach to applying pressure on decision-makers.
As the sun set on Abuja on Wednesday, the protestors showed determination to maintain their presence, setting the stage for what could become a prolonged standoff between Niger Delta youth leaders and one of Africa’s most important oil companies.