In a landmark development that sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) have committed to a sweeping strategic partnership — one that both sides say will redefine the country’s industrial and energy future.
During a high-profile visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the two organisations pledged to bury the hatchet on a historically contentious relationship and forge a new era of collaboration. The moment was made all the more dramatic when NNPC Group CEO Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari watched live operational data show the refinery running at 661,000 barrels per day — surpassing its own nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd.
“None of us ever thought it would even touch 550,000,” Ojulari said, visibly stunned. “What we saw live today was 661,000. These are live parameters, not reports or photographs. This plant is a source of national pride.”
Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote hailed the partnership as central to the refinery’s founding vision, saying it could anchor the next phase of Africa’s industrial transformation. He revealed the refinery is evolving far beyond fuel production, with plans to develop a 400,000 metric tonne Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) facility — a scale expected to outstrip current African production capacity.
“The refinery is an industrial hub, not just a refinery,” Dangote declared. “By prioritising domestic processing over exporting raw materials, we can unlock greater economic value and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.”
NNPC Ltd., which holds a 7.25% equity stake in the refinery, said it is committed to an explicit break from what Ojulari called the company’s ‘unproductive past.’ Both parties agreed to identify priority areas of collaboration in the coming weeks and establish a structured joint working framework.
Source: independent.ng