The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bashir Ojulari, has challenged stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to embrace stricter regulatory discipline, warning that the sector’s stability and long-term growth depend on accountability, professionalism and responsible conduct.

Ojulari made the remarks on Wednesday at the opening of the 2026 Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS 2026) in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks as a Catalyst for Stability and Growth in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry,” brought together industry leaders, labour representatives and government officials to discuss the future of the country’s energy sector.

Addressing participants, the NNPC chief stressed that even the most comprehensive policies and regulations would achieve little without committed professionals to implement them.

According to him, the strength of any regulatory framework lies not only in the quality of its provisions but also in the integrity and competence of the people responsible for enforcing them.

Ojulari described workers as the backbone of the oil and gas industry, noting that members of PENGASSAN play critical roles in daily operations, workplace safety, corporate governance and the protection of Nigeria’s energy security.

He said NNPC Limited remains committed to building a work environment where employees are valued, motivated and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s success.

The NNPC boss explained that the company’s core values—including operational excellence, profitable growth, collaboration and an enterprise-first mindset—can only be sustained when workers are treated fairly and given the support they need to thrive.

He urged industry players to make decisions based on facts, transparency and sound governance while safeguarding the long-term interests of their organisations and the nation.

In a pointed message to stakeholders, Ojulari questioned whether enough was being done to confront waste, indiscipline and practices capable of undermining the sector’s progress.

He argued that regulatory discipline should not be viewed as the responsibility of regulators alone but as a collective obligation shared by all participants in the industry.

Advertisement

According to him, sustainable growth requires not only effective laws and enforcement mechanisms but also a workforce that feels respected, protected and adequately rewarded.

Ojulari further called on PENGASSAN leaders and members to maintain constructive engagement with government institutions and industry operators, ensuring that workers’ welfare remains a central consideration in policy and operational discussions.

He said Nigeria’s oil and gas industry would only reach its full potential when strong regulations are matched with disciplined implementation, ethical conduct and productive partnerships among stakeholders.

Reaffirming NNPC’s commitment to collaboration, Ojulari pledged continued cooperation with labour unions and industry players to drive sustainable growth and stability across the sector.

Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Dingyadi, underscored the importance of robust regulatory systems in attracting investment and ensuring equitable development within the oil and gas industry.

Dingyadi said clear and effective regulations are critical for responsible resource management, protection of workers’ rights and improving the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage.

He also highlighted the importance of maintaining harmonious labour relations, describing industrial peace as a key ingredient for growth and investor confidence.

According to the minister, strong regulatory frameworks provide the foundation upon which stability, economic expansion and sustainable development are built.

The discussions at the summit come at a time when Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is facing mounting pressure to improve efficiency, attract investment and balance the interests of workers, regulators and investors in an increasingly competitive global energy market.