Thank God for Dangote Refinery, Ojulari Tells Nigerians

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bashir Ojulari, has described the Dangote Refinery as a critical stabilizer for Nigeria’s fuel supply, urging Nigerians to appreciate the role of the privately owned facility in easing pressure on the nation’s energy sector.

Ojulari made the remark while speaking on recent developments in the downstream petroleum industry, noting that the commencement of large-scale operations at the Dangote Refinery has provided the country with much-needed breathing space amid persistent supply challenges and foreign exchange constraints.

According to him, the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery has significantly reduced Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, helping to stabilize supply, moderate price volatility, and conserve scarce foreign exchange.

“Thank God for the Dangote Refinery,” Ojulari said. “Its contribution has been timely and strategic. At a period when global energy markets are unstable, the refinery has helped cushion the impact on Nigerians and supported national energy security.”

The NNPCL boss emphasized that local refining capacity remains a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s energy reform agenda, adding that the Dangote Refinery complements ongoing efforts to rehabilitate state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

Ojulari also stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private sector players, noting that sustainable fuel supply can only be achieved through investment, transparency, and operational efficiency across the value chain.

Industry analysts say the Dangote Refinery’s growing output has already begun to reshape Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape, with expectations that increased production will further drive down import dependence, create jobs, and strengthen the naira over time.

As Nigeria continues to navigate fuel pricing reforms and subsidy removal, stakeholders believe that domestic refining, led by mega projects like the Dangote Refinery, will play a decisive role in securing the country’s energy future.