Niger Delta Youths Barricade NNPCL Towers, Demand GCEO’s Resignation

A coalition of Niger Delta youth leaders on Wednesday blocked the entrance of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, over alleged corruption and mismanagement.

The protesters also insisted that the next head of the oil company should come from the Niger Delta region.

Arriving at the facility as early as 6 a.m., the youths mounted barricades at the entry and exit points of the NNPCL headquarters, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards. Music blared from loudspeakers mounted on a truck parked near the building, creating heavy disruption in the area.

The protest caused gridlock along Herbert Macaulay Way in the Central Business District, forcing commuters and workers to seek alternative routes. Security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the scene to prevent a breakdown of law and order. They diverted traffic to a single lane and appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful.

Following intervention from a representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the demonstrators later left the highway and moved towards the exit gate of the towers, allowing traffic to flow more freely.

Despite the disruption, the demonstration remained peaceful.