The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, has praised the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing it as a key stabiliser of Nigeria’s energy system amid ongoing challenges in meeting domestic fuel demand.

Ojulari made the remarks during a fireside chat titled “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future” at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 held on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the operation of a functional local refinery has given NNPC much-needed “breathing space” as government-owned refineries continue to struggle.

“Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Thank God. Whether you love Dangote or you hate him, Nigerians should thank God for Dangote,” Ojulari said, drawing applause from participants at the summit.

According to him, the coming on stream of the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery has provided major relief to the country’s fuel supply chain at a critical time. He noted that beyond its large capacity, the fact that the refinery is locally owned is significant for Nigeria’s energy security.

“Thank God he’s a Nigerian. He’s not someone from another continent. Despite everything, that gave us an opportunity because we have a refinery that is working,” he said.

Ojulari acknowledged that the refinery does not yet meet Nigeria’s entire fuel needs but stressed that it has significantly reduced supply vulnerabilities. He also noted that NNPC is a shareholder in the refinery, which further strengthens cooperation.

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

His comments reflect a noticeable shift from earlier tensions between NNPC and the Dangote Group, which previously clashed over crude supply, regulatory issues, pricing, and market dominance concerns.

Ojulari said the current leadership of NNPC has adopted a collaborative and pragmatic approach instead of 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, working in Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that NNPC has since engaged directly with Alhaji Aliko Dangote to establish a framework for cooperation in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, intending to maximize value for Nigerians.

“Our strategy is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise the value delivered to Nigerians,” Ojulari said.