By Oni Lanre | Interface Africa Magazine – International Edition | May 9, 2025
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) have announced a fortified strategic partnership focused on ensuring Nigeria’s energy security and driving sustainable economic growth.
During a high-level meeting at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, Aliko Dangote—Africa’s wealthiest industrialist and President of the Dangote Group—led a senior delegation to meet with the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari. The outcome: a shared commitment to end rivalry narratives and work hand-in-hand toward the national interest.
“This is not a time for competition—it’s a time for collaboration,” said Dangote. “NNPC is not just a partner; it is part of our ecosystem. Our vision is one of co-creation, mutual respect, and national advancement.”
Dangote’s remarks quell long-standing speculation of potential friction between the state-owned NNPC and his multibillion-dollar private refinery—the largest in Africa—especially as both entities prepare to play dominant roles in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector. Instead, the tone was one of partnership, underpinned by shared goals and strategic alignment.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Ojulari expressed confidence in the path ahead. “What I have seen in the NNPC workforce is a reservoir of talent—committed, competent, and focused on delivering value for Nigeria,” he said. He reiterated the company’s openness to alliances that serve the national good, stating that “collaboration with Dangote Group will continue wherever there is commercial advantage for the country.”
This reaffirmation of synergy between Nigeria’s public and private energy giants comes at a critical juncture. With global energy dynamics shifting rapidly and domestic demand soaring, the need for coherent strategy, policy alignment, and infrastructural collaboration has never been more urgent.
Notably, both leaders agreed to serve as relationship stewards for their respective institutions, ensuring consistent dialogue, mutual transparency, and collaborative innovation. Their joint message was clear: Nigeria’s energy future is too important for division—it demands unity.
For Interface Africa Magazine, this development marks not just a powerful narrative of public-private partnership, but a timely reminder that African giants can collaborate to drive regional influence, energy independence, and national prosperity—on their own terms.
