Aliko Dangote applauds new NNPC leadership, distances them from refinery sabotage claims
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has clarified that those opposing the progress of his $20 billion refinery are not part of the newly appointed leadership at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), but rather a group of entrenched oil marketers and traders.
Speaking after a visit to President Bola Tinubu, Dangote commended the President for assembling what he described as a “capable and reform-minded leadership team” at NNPC, praising the appointments of Mr. Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dangote said he visited the President to express his appreciation for what he called a “formidable and professionally competent team” now steering NNPC’s affairs. He said the new leadership possesses the technical depth and managerial experience necessary to reposition Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise.
“This team reflects the President’s strategic intent to drive reform and innovation across the energy sector,” Dangote said. “We are confident that this team will address systemic challenges, align with the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, and reposition NNPC Limited for operational excellence and long-term sustainability.”
Addressing recent media reports about ongoing resistance to his Lekki-based 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Dangote clarified that his comments about “fighting cabals” were not directed at the current NNPC leadership.
“I must emphasize that the new NNPC leadership has been very supportive in meeting our company’s needs. The individuals I referred to are certain major oil marketers and traders who have profited from subsidised fuel imports and are now bent on sabotaging efforts to reform the sector,” he explained.
Dangote praised the recent structural reforms at NNPC Limited, highlighting them as strong signals of a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
“The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a clear commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the leadership’s capacity to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape and reiterated Dangote Group’s commitment to contributing to a prosperous, energy-secure future for the country.
Reflecting on the battle to bring his refinery project to full fruition, Dangote remained resolute: “We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am 100 per cent sure I will win at the end of the day.”