Dangote, NNPC Chief Chart New Course for Energy Cooperation in Nigeria

By Ebenezer Mabinuola
In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, visited the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The meeting, held at the NNPC headquarters in Abuja, marked the first official interaction between the two leaders since Ojulari took over the role in April 2025, succeeding Mele Kyari.
Strengthening Ties in Nigeria’s Critical Energy Sector
The discussions focused on forging a stronger collaboration between NNPC, the state-owned energy giant, and Dangote Refinery & Petrochemicals, the privately owned mega-refinery project. This renewed partnership comes at a time when tensions had previously arisen between the two entities, especially regarding crude oil transactions denominated in naira and issues surrounding Dangote’s $1 billion equity stake in the refinery.
Dangote emphasized that his refinery is not in competition with NNPC, underlining that both organizations share a common goal in advancing Nigeria’s energy future. “We are not rivals. NNPC is integral to our operations, just as we are to theirs. We are entering a phase of collaboration, not conflict,” Dangote said in the meeting, aiming to clear the air regarding past misunderstandings.
While earlier disputes over crude supply terms had strained relations, the Thursday meeting reflected a shift toward resolution, with both leaders expressing a commitment to fostering a cooperative environment.
A Renewed Spirit of Collaboration
Dangote dismissed reports suggesting hostility from NNPC, attributing any challenges his refinery faced to external market forces rather than internal opposition from the national oil company. He expressed optimism about the potential for joint progress under the new leadership of Ojulari, signaling a fresh outlook for the collaboration between the private and public sectors in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
In his response, Ojulari commended Dangote’s accomplishments and the significant role he plays in advancing African industry. “Alhaji Dangote is a respected industrialist whose contributions to African industry are immense,” Ojulari remarked. “We at NNPC are committed to building partnerships that drive national progress.”
Ojulari also noted the dedication of the NNPC workforce, emphasizing that since assuming his role, he has found a highly skilled and motivated team eager to contribute to the country’s economic development.
Commitment to Personal Oversight
Both executives committed to personally overseeing the relationship between their organizations moving forward. This hands-on approach underscores their shared determination to foster trust and ensure that both public and private sector interests are aligned to meet Nigeria’s energy needs.
The meeting signals a potential turning point in the way public and private entities interact within Nigeria’s petroleum sector. Both Dangote and Ojulari highlighted the importance of stable and mutually beneficial partnerships in achieving energy security and contributing to broader national economic development.