The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a major stabiliser of Nigeria’s energy system, especially at a time when government-owned refineries are still struggling to operate effectively.
Ojulari made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026. He said the Dangote Refinery has helped ease pressure on NNPC in ensuring steady fuel supply across the country.
According to him, the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery has become a major relief for Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, stressing that Nigerians should appreciate its contribution regardless of personal opinions about its owner.
“Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Thank God. Whether you love Dangote, you hate him, say whatever you want to say, Nigerians should thank God for Dangote,” Ojulari said, drawing applause from participants at the summit.
He added that the refinery’s local ownership is also a big advantage for national energy security, noting that it is important that such a major facility is owned and operated by a Nigerian.
“Thank God he’s a Nigerian. He’s not someone from another continent or another planet. Despite everything, that gave us an opportunity because we have a refinery that is working,” he stated.
Ojulari admitted that while the Dangote Refinery is not yet able to meet Nigeria’s full fuel demand, its operations have significantly reduced the country’s dependence on imports and eased pressure on the supply system.
“Yes, it may not meet our full needs, but it gives us a breathing space. And luckily, we are shareholders in that refinery as well,” he added.
He also noted that the remarks reflect a shift from past tensions between NNPC and the Dangote Group, which had previously disagreed over crude supply, regulatory issues, and pricing concerns.
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Ojulari said the current NNPC leadership is now focused on a more cooperative approach, built on partnership rather than confrontation.
“So we said, what’s the hurry? We have a refinery that is working. It’s not owned by NNPC, but it’s a Nigerian refinery, built in Nigeria, working in Nigeria,” he said.
He revealed that NNPC has since held discussions with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to develop a framework for stronger collaboration in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
“Our strategy is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise the value delivered to Nigerians,” Ojulari explained.
