ABUJA — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has come under fire from citizens following its decision to reduce the pump price of petrol to N910 per litre, a move many Nigerians have described as grossly inadequate amid deepening economic hardship.
The public backlash coincided with the company’s release of a 100-day scorecard highlighting the achievements of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari. The scorecard, intended to showcase progress, has instead triggered criticism from Nigerians who argue that it fails to reflect the realities on ground.
Across social media, particularly on platform X, the hashtag #NNPC100Days trended briefly as users voiced dissatisfaction. Many accused the state oil firm of prioritising optics over solutions, citing persistent fuel scarcity, high production costs, and ongoing transparency issues in the sector.
In a statement issued on July 23, 2025, NNPC Ltd detailed Ojulari’s achievements, including a review of major refineries, partnerships with the Dangote Refinery, and an ambitious plan to make Africa self-sufficient in petroleum refining. The company also outlined goals such as boosting daily oil production to two million barrels by 2027 and attracting $30 billion in investments by 2030.
However, many Nigerians remain sceptical.
“NNPC is celebrating 100 days with a fancy scorecard, but Nigerians are still queuing for fuel at N910 per litre. Where is the energy security they promised? Refineries are still comatose, and we’re importing petrol. This is PR, not progress,” wrote one user, @EnergyWatchNG.
Others raised financial concerns, pointing to a Senate probe into an alleged N210 trillion in unaccounted funds. “While NNPC claims milestones, the Senate is probing N210 trillion unaccounted for. How do you celebrate when you can’t explain missing funds?” posted @LagosAnalyst.
The company’s refinery rehabilitation claims also came under scrutiny.
“NNPCL’s refinery rehab claims vs reality: Warri Refinery has been shut down since January 2025, and Port Harcourt Refinery operates at less than 40% capacity. Billions of naira have been invested with no tangible outcomes,” wrote @Karl.
Critics also questioned the substance of the announced targets, labelling them vague and unmeasurable. “Vague ambitions wrapped in corporate lingo. No hard KPIs or quantifiable targets met. This isn’t a scorecard of achievement; it’s a status report with hope sprinkled in,” tweeted @Director_Ohi.
As public discontent grows, pressure is mounting on the NNPC and the Tinubu administration to deliver meaningful results and restore public trust in the country’s struggling energy sector.
