Dangote Refinery, NNPC in strategic partnership to secure Nigeria’s energy future

*Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited reaffirm their commitment to a landmark partnership, aimed at transforming the energy landscape and driving industrial self-sufficiency in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), in a strategic move, have committed to a landmark partnership, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and driving industrial self-sufficiency.

The Management said during a high-level visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Ibeju-Lekki, the leadership of both organisations pledged to move beyond historical challenges and focus on delivering operational excellence and energy security for the nation.

Leo Stan Ekeh remains leading Nigerian ‘pioneering innovator’ –Tinubu

Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive (CE) of Dangote Group,  described the renewed collaboration as central to the refinery’s founding vision and a critical step toward continental industrialisation.

The President/CE of Dangote Group commended the new leadership of NNPC Limited for its proactive approach, stating that the partnership could “revolutionise the African market.”

READ ALSO Electricity: TCN Completes Repair Of Shiroro-Mando Power Transmission Line 2

Leo Stan Ekeh: Life Lessons From Africa’s Great Entrepreneur, Digital Icon And Humanist

Nigeria’s Budget Office Clarifies Executive Order 9 Promotes ‘Constitutional Fidelity’

He also stated: “This was our dream before it became a reality.

“The partnership between ourselves 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 percent 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 for the nation.

Dangote further 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 tonne Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) facility, a scale expected to surpass current African production capacity.

Dangote as well emphasised that the future of refining lies in high-margin petrochemicals, which offer significantly higher value creation than fuel production alone.

He noted: “The Refinery is an industrial hub, not just a refinery.

“By prioritising domestic processing over exporting raw materials, we can unlock greater economic value, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and deepen Nigeria’s industrial base.”

Speaking on behalf of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), affirmed the company’s commitment to a new era of transparency and partnership, explicitly distancing the organisation from its “unproductive past.”

Ojulari said: “The whole idea is to examine where we are, identify additional opportunities, and agree on practical next steps.

“We have exciting proposals on the table, and we will consolidate them into a joint working framework for review.”

The GCEO also lauded the operational 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 (bpd), exceeding its 650,000 barrels-per-day nameplate capacity.

He stated: “None of us ever thought it would even touch 550,000. What we saw live today was 661,000.

“These are live parameters, not reports or photographs.

“This plant is a source of national pride and an example of how global technology can help us leapfrog legacy industrial limitations.”

In regard to the strategic partnership, Ojulari described Dangote Group and NNPC Limited as “strategically significant national champions” with the collective potential to redefine Nigeria’s energy security and deepen industrialisation.

He asserted: “I want to make a commitment that we mean what we are saying. We are moving away from the unproductive past.

“Collaboration does not mean mediocrity. It means honest discussions about what will work, with one common purpose—to grow value.”

Dangote disclosed both parties agreed to identify priority 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.

Kindly Share This Story