Dangote, NNPC Leaders Meet to Cement Partnership, Reject Rivalry Claims

In a significant move to dispel rumors of rivalry, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, stated unequivocally that his refinery does not compete with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

This declaration was made during a visit to NNPC’s new Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja, as confirmed by NNPC’s spokesperson Olufemi Soneye.

The visit was part of ongoing efforts to build a cooperative relationship and encourage healthy competition between the state-owned energy company and the Dangote refinery, which had previously experienced tensions, particularly over crude oil supply contracts denominated in naira.

Dangote highlighted that opposition to his refinery came from entrenched cabals-major marketers-not the current NNPC board. He pledged collaboration with NNPC’s new leadership to enhance Nigeria’s energy security.

“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 emphasized.

Both parties agreed to strengthen their partnership for national growth, with Dangote praising the responsibility borne by Ojulari and expressing confidence in his capable team. Ojulari reciprocated by affirming a commitment to productive collaboration and healthy competition, recognizing the professionalism of NNPC’s workforce.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to manage the relationship actively, aiming to unlock vast opportunities for both organizations and the country’s energy sector.