Bayo Ojulari
Olamilekan Abayomi
Dangote Group and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have pledged to work together to strengthen operations at the Dangote Refinery and deliver wider benefits to Nigerians. Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, made this statement during a visit by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, to the refinery. The collaboration aims to advance Nigeria’s energy and industrial capacity, with NNPC holding a 7.25% stake in the refinery on behalf of Nigerians.
The refinery is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, reducing fuel imports, and positioning the country as a major refining hub. The facility has been described as world-class, equipped with modern technology, and capable of making a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy and the global energy market .
The partnership also involves plans for public investment, with Nigerians set to buy shares in the refinery within the next four to five months. This move aims to broaden public ownership of the project and provide flexibility in dividend payments, allowing investors to choose between naira and dollars.
Ojulari commended Dangote on the successful delivery of the project and reiterated NNPC’s position as a shareholder in the refinery. He expressed optimism that the facility would play a transformative role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security, reducing fuel imports, and positioning the country as a major refining hub.
The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in pursuit of shared objectives, ensuring energy security, driving industrial growth, and delivering value to Nigerians. The strategic alliance is expected to unlock synergies across assets, infrastructure, capital, and markets, providing visibility of all NNPC-Dangote business relations .
Dangote and NNPC have also expanded gas deals to secure fuel for expansion programmes, aligning with Nigeria’s shift toward cleaner energy and industrial growth. The contracts were signed with Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited and NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company at the Nigeria Gas Master Plan 2026 in Abuja .
The refinery is operating in phases to optimise efficiency, with production lines being fine-tuned to ensure efficiency, quality control, and sustainability. The primary objective is to meet Nigeria’s domestic petroleum demand before gradually expanding exports to other African markets.
The Managing Director of Dangote Refinery, Mr David Bird, said the facility is strategically positioned to improve fuel supply stability, encourage competitive pricing, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy. He noted that while global factors affect pricing, domestic refining could improve long-term price stability.
The partnership is seen as a significant milestone in deepening cooperation with NNPC Limited, with both organisations reaffirming their shared vision for Nigeria’s energy future. The alliance is expected to drive industrial growth, deliver value to Nigerians, and position the country as a major downstream hub in Africa .
