Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has clarified that the Dangote refinery is not in competition with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

According to a statement issued on Friday by NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye, Dangote made this known during a visit to the new Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bayo Ojulari, in Abuja.

Soneye explained that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and encourage fair competition between NNPC and the Dangote refinery. It is worth noting that there had been signs of tension between the state-run oil firm and the $20 billion refinery in the past, particularly concerning the supply of crude oil in naira.

Dangote recently pointed out that some influential interests were still opposing his refinery, clarifying that these were major oil marketers and not the newly appointed NNPC board.

At the meeting, he assured the new NNPC leadership of his willingness to work together to bolster Nigeria’s energy security. 

“There is no competition between us; we are not here to compete with NNPC Ltd. NNPC is part and parcel of our business, and we are also part of NNPC. This is an era of cooperation between the two organisations.” Dangote added.

Both companies agreed to strengthen their collaboration in order to enhance Nigeria’s energy security and promote shared prosperity across the nation.

Congratulating the GCEO and the senior management team on their appointments, Dangote acknowledged the significant responsibilities they face. He described the task ahead as monumental but expressed confidence that, with the capable team within the NNPC, it can be effectively managed.

In response, GCEO Bayo Ojulari assured Dangote of a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship built on fair competition and effective cooperation. Ojulari also praised the quality of talent within NNPC, describing the staff as dedicated, highly competent, and committed professionals who continually strive to deliver value to the country.

Ojulari affirmed the company’s commitment to fostering national prosperity through innovation and a unified vision, stating that NNPC would continue its partnership with the Dangote Group, particularly in areas that offer commercial benefits for the country.

“Both executives also committed to being the relationship managers for their respective organisations through sustained productive collaboration and healthy competition, thereby envisioning limitless opportunities for both organisations,” the statement concluded.