Dangote: Marketers Sabotaging My Refinery, Not New NNPC Board

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has clarified that the challenges facing his \$20 billion refinery are not being caused by the new leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), but rather by major oil marketers and traders.

Dangote made the statement while commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing a capable leadership team at the NNPCL. He specifically praised 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 appreciation for assembling a professionally competent and formidable team that can elevate NNPCL to new heights.

According to him, the new management team brings significant technical and managerial experience, essential for transforming Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise.

"The new leadership under Ojulari and Kida clearly reflects the President’s intent to drive reform and innovation in the energy sector," he said.

“We are confident that this team will tackle systemic challenges, align with the President’s vision of a \$1 trillion economy, and reposition NNPCL for operational excellence and long-term sustainability,” he added.

Addressing reports that he is still fighting to ensure the survival of the refinery project, Dangote stressed that his comments were not directed at the current leadership of NNPCL, whom he described as supportive of his company's objectives.

He explained that the "cabals" he referred to are certain major oil marketers and traders intent on undermining President Tinubu’s efforts to revitalise the Nigerian economy.

Dangote also commended recent reforms and structural changes within NNPCL, describing them as strong indicators of a renewed commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

"The calibre of individuals now leading the organisation, along with their reform-driven agenda, shows a commitment to performance and professionalism," he said.

He expressed confidence that the new NNPCL leadership will drive the country's energy sector forward and reiterated Dangote Group's commitment to supporting a prosperous, energy-secure Nigeria.

Dangote previously revealed that certain individuals who have long profited from government-subsidised fuel imports are attempting to sabotage the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery located in Lekki, Lagos.

“We're fighting, and the fight is not over yet. But I’ve been fighting all my life, and I am 100 per cent confident that I will win in the end,” he stated.