The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr Bayo Ojulari, has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a crucial stabilising force for Nigeria’s energy sector, especially at a time when government-owned refineries are still struggling to meet domestic fuel demand.
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.
According to him, the existence of a functional local refinery has given Nigeria and NNPC much-needed relief amid persistent pressure to ensure steady fuel supply nationwide.
“Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Thank God. Whether you love Dangote or you don’t, Nigerians should thank God for Dangote,” Ojulari said, drawing loud applause from participants at the event.
He noted that the coming on stream of the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery marked a major turning point for the country, particularly as legacy state-owned refineries have yet to operate at optimal capacity.
Beyond its size, Ojulari stressed that the refinery’s Nigerian ownership makes it even more important to the country’s energy security.
“Thank God he’s a Nigerian. He’s not someone from another continent. Despite everything, that gave us an opportunity because we now have a refinery that is working,” he said.
While acknowledging that the refinery is not yet capable of meeting Nigeria’s entire fuel needs, the NNPC boss said it has significantly reduced the country’s exposure to supply disruptions.
“Yes, it may not meet our full needs, but it gives us breathing space. And luckily, we are shareholders in that refinery as well,” he added.
Ojulari’s comments reflect a noticeable shift from the long-standing tensions between NNPC and the Dangote Group, which in the past were marked by disagreements over crude supply, regulatory approvals, pricing and market dominance.
Under previous leadership, both sides often traded public accusations, with Dangote alleging deliberate obstruction of the refinery project, while regulators insisted they were enforcing industry standards.
However, Ojulari said the current NNPC leadership has chosen collaboration over confrontation.
“We asked ourselves, what’s the hurry? We already have a refinery that is working. It may not be owned by NNPC, but it is a Nigerian refinery, built and operating in Nigeria,” he said.
He disclosed that NNPC has since opened direct talks with the Dangote Group to establish a cooperative framework in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
“Our strategy is simple,to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise the value it delivers to Nigerians. We met with Alhaji Dangote, explained our responsibilities as an institution, and agreed on a clear pathway for deeper collaboration while maintaining NNPC’s role,” Ojulari explained.
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