NNPC chief Bayo Ojulari has described the Dangote Refinery as a vital stabiliser of Nigeria’s energy system amid fuel supply challenges

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Bayo Ojulari, has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a critical stabiliser of Nigeria’s energy system, amid persistent challenges in operating government-owned refineries and meeting domestic fuel demand.

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Ojulari made the remarks on Wednesday during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 in Abuja.

He said the presence of a functional local refinery has provided NNPC with much-needed breathing space at a time of intense pressure to ensure continuity of fuel supply across the country.

According to him, the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery has significantly eased the strain on Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, drawing strong reactions from participants at the summit.

“Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Whether you love Dangote or you hate him, Nigerians should thank God for Dangote,” Ojulari said, prompting applause from the audience.

He noted that the refinery’s contribution came at a critical moment when legacy state-owned refineries were still struggling to deliver fuel at scale.

Beyond capacity, Ojulari stressed that local ownership of the facility remains central to national energy security, describing it as a strategic advantage for the country.

“Thank God he’s a Nigerian. Despite everything, that gave us an opportunity because we have a refinery that is working,” he said.

While acknowledging that the Dangote plant does not yet meet Nigeria’s full domestic fuel requirements, the NNPC chief said its operations have significantly reduced supply vulnerabilities.

“Yes, it may not meet our full needs, but it gives us a breathing space. And luckily, we are shareholders in that refinery as well,” Ojulari added.

The comments signal a notable shift from years of tension between NNPC and the Dangote Group, which had previously clashed over crude supply terms, regulatory approvals, pricing, and market dominance concerns.

Ojulari said the current NNPC leadership has adopted a pragmatic approach focused on collaboration rather than confrontation, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

He disclosed that NNPC has since engaged directly with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to establish a framework for cooperation aimed at maximising value for Nigerians while preserving NNPC’s institutional role.

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“Our strategy is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise the value delivered to Nigerians,” he said.