In a landmark move signalling a new era of collaboration, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ( NNPC Ltd ) have committed to a strategic partnership aimed at transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and driving industrial self – sufficiency.
During a high – level visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex in Ibeju – Lekki, the leadership of both organizations pledged to move beyond historical challenges and focus on delivering operational excellence and energy security for the nation.
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote described the renewed collaboration as central to the refinery’s founding vision and a critical step toward continental industrialization. He commended the new leadership of the NNPC Ltd for its proactive approach, stating that the partnership could “revolutionize African market.
“This was our dream before it became reality. The partnership between overselves and NNPC will not only strengthen Nigeria but can anchor the next phase of Africa’s industrial transformation,” Dangote said. “With the new leadership I think the sky is the limit. We will cooperate, work together and make Nigerians proud.”
Dangote noted that NNPC Ltd. Currently holds a 7.25 per cent equity stake in the refinery on behalf of Nigerians. He suggested that deepening collaboration within the existing industrial complex, rather than duplicating assets would unlock greater value and for the nation.
He outlined ambitious expansion plans, revealing that the refinery is evolving into a fully integrated industrial hub. This includes the development of a 400,000 metric tonnes Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) facility, a scale, expected to surpass current African production capacity.
Dangote emphasised that the future of refining lies in high – margin value creation and fuel production alone. ‘ The refinery is an industrial hub, not just a refinery he added. “By prioritizing domestic processing over exporting raw materials, we unlock greater economic value, strengthen foreign exchange earnings and deepen Nigeria’s industrial base.”
Speaking on behalf of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited; the Group Chief Executive Officer, Egnr. Bayo Ojulari, affirmed the Company’s commitment to a new era of transparency and partnership explicitly distancing the organization from its unproductive past.”
“The whole idea is to examine where we identify additional opportunities, and agree on practical next steps,” Ojulari stated. “We have exciting proposals on the table, and we will consolidate them into a joint working framework for review.
Ojulari lauded the operation and the performance of the Dangote Refinery, noting that the facility has surpassed its design capacity. During the tour, the plant was observed operating at 661,000 barrels per day exceeding 650,000 barrels per day nameplate capacity. None of even thought touch 550,000. What we live today was 661 was 661,000.
These live parameters, not reporting or photographs. This plant is a source of national pride and an example of how global technology can help us leadfrog industrial limitations,” he said.
Ojulari described Dangote Group and NNPC Ltd as strategically significant national champions with the collective potential to redine Nigeria’s energy security and deepen industrialisation.
“I want to make a commitment that mean what we are saying.We are moving away from the unproductive past,” Ojulari reiterated. Collaboration does not mean mediocrity. It means honest discussions about what will work with one common purpose – to grow value.
Both parties agreed to identify prioritizing areas of collaboration in the coming weeks and move toward a structured implementation framework, solidifying a partnership poised to reshape the economic future of Nigeria and the broader African continent.
