President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating what he described as revolutionary changes in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly in the leadership restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).
During a recent visit to the State House, Dangote praised the President for appointing a capable and forward-thinking leadership team, notably Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman of NNPC Ltd.
Dangote said the appointments reflect a strategic intent to drive reform and innovation within the energy sector. “This is a formidable and professionally competent team, equipped with both technical know-how and managerial experience to reposition NNPC for operational excellence and long-term sustainability,” he stated.
He emphasized that the leadership of Ojulari and Kida aligns with the President’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy, and offers renewed hope for tackling systemic challenges in the sector.
Addressing questions from the media over the weekend regarding his ongoing battle to secure the future of his $20 billion refinery, Dangote clarified that his remarks about “fighting the cabals” in the oil sector were not directed at NNPC’s current leadership. “The new team at NNPC has been very supportive of our efforts,” he said.
He explained that the 'cabals' in question refer to certain major oil marketers and traders who are resisting efforts to restructure and sanitize the sector. Dangote affirmed that their obstructionist tendencies are aimed at derailing President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
The billionaire industrialist praised NNPC Ltd for the transparency, efficiency, and accountability reflected in its recent reforms and structural changes. “The deliberate reform agenda and the calibre of professionals now leading the organisation give us hope for a performance-driven, transparent, and competitive oil industry,” he added.
Concluding, Dangote reiterated his full support for the government’s vision of a prosperous and energy-secure Nigeria, affirming that the Dangote Group stands ready to contribute to this collective national goal.