The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has proudly confirmed its ownership stake in the Dangote Refinery, according to Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.
Speaking at a recent conference organized by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists in Lagos, Kyari addressed allegations that NNPCL was hindering the refinery’s operations.
These claims surfaced after Dangote Group founder Aliko Dangote alleged that NNPCL, alongside certain influential figures in the oil industry, was attempting to obstruct the refinery’s progress.
Kyari, however, firmly refuted these accusations, asserting that NNPCL’s interest in the refinery is purely supportive and strategic.
“We are very proud part-owners of the Dangote Refinery—there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “We saw an opportunity for at least 300,000 barrels of our production, and we knew that as global oil supply increases, competition for markets would intensify.”
Highlighting the importance of local refining, Kyari noted that NNPCL’s decision to partner with the Dangote Refinery and other Nigerian refineries was made to strengthen domestic supply.