“Thank God for Dangote”: NNPC Chief Ojulari Praises Refinery as Vital Lifeline
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
NNPC CEO, Bayo Ojulari has urged Nigerians to appreciate Aliko Dangote, calling his refinery a “stabilizer” that rescued the nation’s fuel supply.
He noted the facility provided a critical buffer during the recent shutdown of state-owned plants.
Ojulari admitted that state refineries were suffering “monumental losses,” forcing a strategic pause in repairs.
The Dangote Refinery provided the necessary “breathing space” for the NNPC to recalibrate and seek more viable private partnerships.
Defending the billionaire’s impact on national energy security, Ojulari stated, “Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Whether you love Dangote, you hate him Nigerians should thank God for Dangote. Thank God he’s a Nigerian; he’s not someone from another continent.”
The NNPC has shifted from competition to deep collaboration with the Dangote Group. This partnership aims to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in line with the Petroleum Industry Act’s goals for the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.
While not yet meeting 100% of national demand, the refinery has significantly reduced supply chain vulnerabilities. Ojulari argued that a functional local refinery, regardless of ownership, is far superior to total reliance on foreign imports.
The refinery’s success allows the NNPC to focus on fixing systemic issues within its own assets. New agreements are expected by mid-2026 to bring in additional private capacity to revitalize Nigeria’s aging energy infrastructure.
