Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has dismissed notions of a rift with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, describing the two entities as business partners. He expressed readiness to collaborate with NNPC’s new leadership to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector.
The assurance came during Dangote’s meeting with NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja on Thursday. According to an NNPC statement, both parties agreed to enhance cooperation, ensuring healthy competition and mutually beneficial ventures.
Recent tensions had emerged over crude supply delays under the Naira-for-Crude initiative—a scheme approved by President Bola Tinubu to support local refineries, with the 650,000-barrel Dangote Refinery in Lagos as its pilot.
Additionally, subtle pricing disagreements between the two firms had raised transparency concerns. However, Dangote voiced optimism following Ojulari’s appointment, praising NNPC’s renewed emphasis on transparency and efficiency under its new management.
In a statement after meeting President Tinubu, Dangote said: “The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their deliberate, reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism.”
He added: “We are confident that this team will address systemic challenges, align with the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, and reposition NNPC Limited for operational excellence and long-term sustainability.”
The billionaire industrialist also reaffirmed confidence in NNPC’s support for his $20 billion refinery project, signaling a potential easing of earlier tensions.
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