BY GODWIN OBI
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has pledged closer collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to strengthen operations at the Dangote Refinery and unlock broader economic benefits for Nigerians.
Dangote spoke during a refinery tour by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, where he outlined plans for expanded cooperation, possible upstream partnerships, and an upcoming window for public investment in the landmark project.
“I think the sky is the limit. We will cooperate and make sure we work together to make Nigerians proud,” Dangote told journalists.
Dangote disclosed that discussions are ongoing on joint ventures that could span multiple segments of the oil and gas value chain.
“Most likely, depending on our discussions with them, we will partner with them, maybe in some of the upstream. They, too, will partner with us here because this is not just a refinery — it’s an industrial hub,” he said.
Dangote reaffirmed that NNPCL currently holds a minority stake in the refinery on behalf of Nigerians.
“They are holding 7.25 per cent of the shares that we have here… and they are holding that on behalf of Nigerians,” he stated.
He added that individual Nigerians would soon be able to participate directly in the project.
“Individually, Nigerians too will have an opportunity. In the next maximum four or five months, they will actually be able to buy their shares,” Dangote said.
According to Dangote, prospective investors will have options regarding dividend payments.
“People will have a choice either to get their dividends in naira or to get their dividends in dollars because we earn dollars,” he explained.
Dangote also highlighted new projects within the refinery complex, including the production of linear alkylbenzene — a key raw material in detergent manufacturing.
“That raw material for detergent will be sufficient for the entire African continent, and we will deliver all this in the next 30 months,” he said.
The Dangote Refinery, widely regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy security, foreign exchange earnings, and downstream industrialisation.
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