President and CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has declared that there is no rivalry between his organisation and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), emphasizing a united front in advancing Nigeria’s energy future.
Dangote made this clear during a high-level visit to the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Thursday, where he met with the recently appointed Group CEO of NNPC Ltd., Bashir Bayo Ojulari. The meeting marked a significant step toward deepening strategic cooperation between the two energy powerhouses.
“There is no competition between us. We are not here to compete with NNPC Ltd. The NNPC is part and parcel of our business, and we are also part of the NNPC,” Dangote said.
He described the meeting as a pivot from competition to collaboration, reflecting what he called a “new era of partnership” in Nigeria’s oil and gas space.
Dangote also commended Ojulari and his newly inaugurated executive team, describing their appointments as timely and vital for reshaping Nigeria’s energy architecture.
“You have a monumental task ahead. But I am confident that with the capable hands at your disposal, the challenge is surmountable,” he added.
In his response, Ojulari welcomed the Dangote delegation and affirmed the national oil company’s commitment to synergy, transparency, and innovation, noting that any collaboration with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery would be guided by national interest and commercial viability.
“We are committed to a partnership that prioritises Nigeria’s economic interests. At NNPC Ltd., I have met a workforce that is dedicated, highly skilled, and passionate about delivering value to Nigerians,” Ojulari stated.
Both leaders also agreed to act as direct relationship managers for their respective institutions, a move expected to streamline coordination and foster long-term alignment between the two energy giants.
The visit comes amid renewed efforts by the federal government and private sector leaders to stabilise the energy market, boost local refining capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s path toward energy self-sufficiency.
