President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has stated that the Dangote Refinery is not in competition with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), but is instead committed to collaboration for the benefit of Nigeria’s energy sector.
Dangote made the remarks during a visit to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja, according to a statement released Friday by NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye.
The visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to “promote mutually beneficial partnerships and foster healthy competition” between the state-owned energy giant and the $20 billion privately owned Dangote refinery.
“There is no competition between us; we are not here to compete with NNPC Ltd. NNPC is part and parcel of our business, and we are also part of NNPC. This is an era of cooperation between the two organisations,” Dangote said during the meeting.
His remarks come amid past perceptions of rivalry between the two entities, particularly concerning the supply of crude oil priced in naira. Dangote had previously alleged that “cabals”—primarily major oil marketers—were working against the interests of his refinery, though he clarified that these issues were not linked to the new NNPC leadership.
Dangote expressed confidence in the new leadership of the NNPC, noting the significant responsibilities ahead and pledging to work closely with Ojulari to ensure Nigeria’s energy security.
“I congratulate you and your team on your appointments. You are carrying a monumental task, but I believe with the capable hands around you, it is surmountable,” he added.
In response, GCEO Bayo Ojulari welcomed Dangote’s gesture and assured him of a cooperative relationship.
“We are committed to a mutually beneficial partnership rooted in healthy competition and productive collaboration,” Ojulari said. He praised the NNPC workforce as “dedicated, highly skilled, and hardworking professionals”, and reaffirmed the company’s mission to drive national prosperity through innovation and shared purpose.
He added, “NNPC will continue to collaborate with the Dangote Group, especially where there is a commercial advantage for Nigeria.”
Both executives also agreed to personally manage the relationship between their organisations, aiming to unlock new opportunities through sustained, productive collaboration.
