Aliko Dangote, the President and CEO of Dangote Group, stated on Thursday that there is no competition between his company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), emphasising the importance of partnership and collaboration in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The remarks were made during a courtesy visit by Dangote to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. Both executives used the opportunity to reaffirm their shared commitment to fostering a cooperative relationship that would help drive Nigeria’s energy security and contribute to national prosperity.
“We are not here to compete with the NNPC Ltd. There is no rivalry between us. The NNPC is a crucial part of our business, and we are equally integral to the NNPC,” Dangote explained during the meeting.
This was a sentiment that Dangote reinforced by emphasising the era of collaboration between the two organisations, noting that this cooperation would be essential in ensuring mutual success and a strengthened energy sector.
Dangote also took a moment to congratulate Ojulari and his newly appointed senior management team, acknowledging the significant task ahead in leading the energy sector forward. He expressed confidence in their ability to overcome challenges with the experienced and capable team in place.
“You have a monumental task ahead of you, but I am confident that with the capable hands at your disposal, the challenge is surmountable,” Dangote said.
In response, Ojulari welcomed Dangote’s remarks, assuring the delegation that NNPC Ltd is fully committed to nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship with Dangote Group. He emphasised the importance of transparency, innovation, and healthy competition in strengthening their collaboration.
“We are committed to a partnership that prioritises Nigeria’s economic interests. At the NNPC Ltd, I have met a workforce that is dedicated, highly skilled, and passionate about delivering value to Nigerians,” Ojulari said.
He further highlighted the strategic cooperation with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, focusing on opportunities where collaboration would provide clear commercial benefits for Nigeria.
Both Dangote and Ojulari agreed that they would continue to act as relationship managers for their respective organisations, fostering an environment of cooperation and strategic synergy that would sustain their joint efforts.
The engagement between Dangote Group and NNPC Ltd represents a significant step forward for Nigeria’s energy sector, with both parties keen on aligning their efforts to promote energy security and economic growth.