Say Whatever You Want” – NNPCL Boss Speaks Out On Dangote Refinery Operations

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has hailed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a crucial stabilizer of Nigeria’s energy system, especially as government-owned refineries continue to struggle to operate efficiently and meet domestic fuel demand.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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.

According to the NNPC chief, having a functional local refinery has provided the national oil company with vital support in ensuring a continuous fuel supply across the country. He urged Nigerians to recognize the refinery’s importance, regardless of personal views about its owner, noting that the plant’s performance received widespread praise at the summit.

“Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Thank God. Whether you love Dangote or hate him, say whatever you want, Nigerians should be thankful,” Ojulari said, drawing applause from attendees.

He highlighted that the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery came online at a critical moment, as Nigeria’s legacy state-owned refineries were still struggling to deliver refined products at scale. The refinery’s operations have helped ease pressure on NNPC and reduced the country’s vulnerability to supply disruptions.

“Yes, it may not meet all our needs, but it gives us breathing space. And fortunately, we are shareholders in that refinery as well,” he added.

Local Ownership Matters

Ojulari also emphasized the significance of the refinery being Nigerian-owned.

“Thank God he’s a Nigerian. He’s not from another continent or another planet. That gave us an opportunity because we now have a refinery that works,” he said.

While the plant does not yet fully meet Nigeria’s fuel demand, Ojulari noted that it has already strengthened the country’s energy security and reduced vulnerabilities in the fuel supply chain.

From Tension to Collaboration

His comments mark a notable shift from previous years, when NNPC and the Dangote Group often clashed over crude supply terms, regulatory approvals, pricing, and market dominance concerns. The relationship had been publicly strained, with Dangote accusing state institutions of hampering the refinery project, while regulators insisted they were enforcing market and quality standards.

Under the current leadership, Ojulari said, NNPC has adopted a more pragmatic approach focused on collaboration rather than confrontation.

“So we said, what’s the hurry? We have a refinery that is working. It’s not owned by NNPC, but it’s a Nigerian refinery, built in Nigeria, and operating in Nigeria,” he explained.

Ojulari further disclosed that NNPC has engaged directly with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to establish a framework for cooperation under the Petroleum Industry Act.

“Our strategy is to collaborate with Dangote Refinery and maximize the value delivered to Nigerians. We met with Alhaji Dangote, explained our institutional responsibilities, and agreed on a pathway toward deeper collaboration while maintaining NNPC’s role,” he said.