The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a vital stabilising force for Nigeria’s energy sector, especially as the national oil company continues to grapple with operational setbacks at government-owned refineries and the challenge of meeting local fuel needs.
Ojulari made the remarks during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 held on Wednesday in Abuja, where he said the presence of a working domestic refinery had eased pressure on NNPC in sustaining fuel supply across the country.
He noted that the Dangote Refinery has played a significant role in shoring up fuel availability and urged Nigerians to acknowledge its contribution irrespective of differing opinions about its proprietor, adding that the refinery’s performance attracted applause from participants at the summit.
“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 the audience.
He explained that the commencement of operations at the 650,000 barrels-per-day facility came at a critical time for the country, providing relief while long-standing state-owned refineries continued to struggle to operate at optimal capacity.
Ojulari emphasised that the importance of the refinery went beyond its production capacity, pointing to its Nigerian ownership as a key advantage for the country’s energy security.
“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 said.
Although the refinery is yet to fully satisfy Nigeria’s domestic fuel requirements, the NNPC chief said its operations have nonetheless helped to reduce exposure to supply disruptions.
“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 noted.
Ojulari’s comments mark a departure from the prolonged strain that previously defined relations between NNPC and the Dangote Group, which had been marked by disputes over crude supply arrangements, regulatory processes, pricing issues and fears of market dominance.
In earlier years, interactions between both sides were frequently punctuated by public exchanges and accusations, with the Dangote Group alleging institutional obstacles to the refinery project, while regulators maintained they were upholding quality and competition standards.
According to Ojulari, the current leadership of NNPC has shifted towards a more practical, cooperative posture aimed at achieving shared outcomes.
“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 added that NNPC has opened direct engagement with the Dangote Group to establish a cooperative framework consistent with the Petroleum Industry Act.
“Our strategy is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise the value delivered to Nigerians. That was our first strategy. We had a meeting with Alhaji Dangote, explained our institutional responsibilities, and we agreed on the pathway towards deeper collaboration while maintaining our role as NNPC,” Ojulari explained.
