President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said his company will strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) to enhance operations at the Dangote Refinery and expand benefits to Nigerians.
Dangote spoke on Saturday while hosting the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bayo Ojulari, during a tour of the refinery complex. He said both organisations share a common goal of boosting Nigeria’s energy security and industrial capacity.
According to him, discussions are ongoing on broader areas of cooperation beyond the refinery, including possible joint ventures in the upstream segment of the oil and gas sector.
“Most likely, depending on our discussions, we will partner with them in some upstream activities, and they will also partner with us here because this is not just a refinery but an industrial hub,” Dangote said.
He revealed that NNPC currently holds a 7.25 per cent stake in the refinery on behalf of Nigerians, describing it as a national asset. Dangote added that plans are underway to open up the project to public investment within the next four to five months.
He said Nigerians would have the opportunity to purchase shares in the refinery and choose whether to receive dividends in naira or dollars, noting that the company earns foreign exchange.
Dangote also highlighted new industrial projects within the complex, including the production of linear alkylbenzene used in detergent manufacturing. He said the facility is expected to meet demand across Africa and position Nigeria as a key supplier on the continent within the next 30 months.
Ojulari, on his part, toured the facility as part of ongoing engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between NNPC and the Dangote Refinery.
