Dangote: Major Marketers, Not New NNPC Board, Frustrating My Refinery

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has stated that those opposing the survival of his refinery are primarily major marketers and traders, not the new leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

Dangote made these comments while praising President Bola Tinubu for assembling a “capable leadership team” at NNPC, particularly noting the appointments of Mr. Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dangote expressed his appreciation to the President for putting together a strong, professionally competent team that is well-equipped to elevate NNPC.

According to Dangote, the new management team possesses substantial technical expertise and managerial experience, which are vital for revitalizing Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise.

According to Dangote, the new team, led by Ojulari and Kida, embodies the President’s strategic vision to drive reform and innovation within the energy sector.

“We are confident that this team will address systemic challenges, align with the President’s vision of a $1tn economy, and reposition NNPC Limited for operational excellence and long-term sustainability,” he said.

Speaking about reports over the weekend regarding his ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of his $20bn refinery and his determination to confront the oil sector’s cabals, Dangote clarified that his comments were not directed at the new leadership of the NNPC.

He emphasized that the new NNPCL leadership has been supportive in addressing the company’s needs.

He revealed that the cabals he was referring to “are some major oil marketers and traders who were bent on frustrating the efforts of President Tinubu in revamping the nation’s economy.”

He highlighted that the recent activities and structural reforms implemented by NNPC Limited are clear signs of the organization’s renewed commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

“The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their deliberate, reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism,” he added.

Dangote expressed confidence that the new leadership of NNPC Limited would elevate the country’s energy sector and reiterated his group’s commitment to supporting the collective vision of a prosperous, energy-secure Nigeria.

He also pointed out that certain individuals, who had profited significantly from government-subsidized oil imports into Nigeria for an extended period, were the ones attempting to sabotage the 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery located in Lekki, Lagos.

“We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 per cent sure I will win at the end of the day,” he was quoted.