Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has dismissed claims of competition between his $20 billion refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), emphasizing instead a shared commitment to Nigeria’s energy security.
Dangote made the remarks during a visit to the NNPC’s new Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja on Thursday. The meeting, described as a step toward strengthening partnerships, comes after months of perceived tensions between the two entities, particularly over crude oil supply arrangements.
“There is no competition between us; we are not here to compete with NNPC Ltd.,” Dangote said in a statement released by NNPC’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye. “NNPC is part and parcel of our business, and we are also part of NNPC. This is an era of cooperation between the two organizations.”
The visit follows Dangote’s recent allegations that certain “cabals”—major fuel marketers, not NNPC’s leadership—were obstructing his refinery’s operations. However, he expressed confidence in the new NNPC management, describing the task ahead as monumental but achievable.
In response, Ojulari assured Dangote of a partnership built on healthy competition and mutual benefits. He praised NNPC’s workforce as skilled and dedicated, emphasizing the company’s readiness to innovate for national prosperity.
Both leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in areas of commercial advantage for Nigeria, positioning themselves as key drivers of the country’s energy future. The meeting signals a potential easing of past tensions as the refinery, Africa’s largest, moves toward full-scale production.
