The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a major stabilising force in Nigeria’s energy sector, saying its operations have helped cushion the country amid challenges facing government-owned refineries.
Ojulari made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026.
According to him, the presence of a functional local refinery has provided NNPC with critical relief as it works to ensure consistent fuel supply across the country.
“Thank God for the Dangote Refinery.
Whether you love Dangote or you don’t, Nigerians should thank God for Dangote,” Ojulari said, drawing applause from participants at the event.
He noted that the coming on stream of the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery came at a crucial time when Nigeria’s state-owned refineries were still struggling to operate at optimal capacity.
Ojulari stressed that beyond its production volume, the refinery’s local ownership is important for national energy security.
“Thank God he is a Nigerian. He’s not someone from another continent. Despite all the challenges, having a refinery that is working here in Nigeria gave us an opportunity,” he said.
While acknowledging that the refinery is yet to meet Nigeria’s total domestic fuel demand, the NNPC boss said it has significantly reduced vulnerabilities in the fuel supply chain.
“It may not meet all our needs, but it gives us breathing space. And importantly, NNPC is also a shareholder in that refinery,” Ojulari added.
Ojulari’s comments reflect a shift from the tense relationship that previously existed between NNPC and the Dangote Group, marked by disputes over crude supply, pricing, regulatory approvals and market dominance.
He said the current leadership of NNPC has embraced a more collaborative approach focused on delivering value to Nigerians.
“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 Nigerian, built in Nigeria and operating in Nigeria,” he said.
Ojulari disclosed that NNPC has since engaged Dangote Group in discussions aimed at building a cooperation framework aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Our strategy is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise value for Nigerians. We met with Alhaji Dangote, explained our responsibilities as an institution, and agreed on a pathway for deeper collaboration while maintaining our role as NNPC,” he said.
