The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has said Nigerians have strong reasons to be grateful for the Dangote Refinery.
He described it as a major relief to the country’s oil and gas sector.
Ojulari made the remarks on Wednesday at the International Energy Summit 2026 in Abuja, where he said the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery has helped ease pressure on Nigeria’s fuel supply system.
Dockaysworld notes that his comments come amid a recent nationwide increase in fuel prices following a rise in ex-depot prices by the Dangote Refinery and other depot owners, a development that has pushed petrol pump prices in Abuja to between ₦839 per litre and ₦905 per litre.
According to Ojulari, although the Dangote Refinery is yet to meet Nigeria’s full domestic fuel requirements, its operations have significantly reduced the country’s exposure to fuel supply disruptions.
“Yes, it may not meet our full needs, but it gives us a breathing space. And luckily, we are shareholders in that refinery as well,” he said.
Ojulari added that the current NNPCL management has deliberately adopted a collaborative rather than confrontational approach in its relationship with the privately owned refinery.
“Our strategy is to collaborate with the Dangote Refinery and maximise the value delivered to Nigerians,” he stated.
Expressing gratitude for the project, Ojulari said Nigerians should appreciate the refinery regardless of personal opinions about its owner.
“Thank God for Dangote Refinery. Whether you love Dangote or you hate him, Nigerians should thank God for Dangote,” he said to loud applause.
“Thank God he’s a Nigerian. Despite everything, that gave us an opportunity because we have a refinery that is working,” he added.
