Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has clarified that the primary opposition to the success of his refinery project comes from major oil marketers and traders, not the newly appointed leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
Dangote made these comments while commending President Bola Tinubu for assembling a skilled leadership team at NNPC. He specifically praised the appointments of Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman, calling them experienced and capable leaders.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dangote expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for selecting a professional management team at NNPC, one that possesses the expertise required to transform Nigeria’s foremost energy institution. According to Dangote, the leadership under Ojulari and Kida reflects the President’s commitment to reforming the oil and gas sector.
“We are confident that this team will address systemic challenges, align with the President’s vision for a $1 trillion economy, and drive NNPC Limited toward operational excellence and long-term sustainability,” Dangote stated.
In response to reports suggesting he is still struggling to secure his $20 billion refinery project, Dangote clarified that his concerns were never directed at the new NNPC leadership, which he noted has been supportive thus far.
He explained that the “cabals” he referred to as undermining the refinery are the oil marketers and traders who are resisting the government’s petroleum sector reforms. Dangote emphasized that these individuals have long benefited from subsidized fuel imports and are now attempting to sabotage the development of the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Lekki, Lagos.
The industrialist also expressed his full confidence in the current NNPC reforms, which he believes demonstrate a renewed commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability. He reiterated his support for the federal government’s goal of ensuring Nigeria’s energy security and strengthening its economy.
“This fight isn’t over, but I’ve been fighting all my life, and I am absolutely certain I will emerge victorious,” Dangote concluded.
