Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, at the weekend visited President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, lauding him for what he described as his recent revolutionary changes in the oil and gas sector, geared towards saving the country.
Africa’s richest man also praised Tinubu for assembling a capable leadership team at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), highlighting the fitting appointments of Mr. Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman of the national oil company.
Dangote, who visited the Nigerian leader on Sunday, said he went to see the President to commend him for putting together a formidable and professionally competent team that is eminently qualified to take NNPC to greater heights.
A statement from the company quoted the billionaire businessman as saying that the new management team brings a wealth of technical expertise, noting that all of them have managerial experience that is essential for revitalising Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise.
The new team, according to Dangote, under the leadership of Ojulari and Kida, reflects the President’s strategic intent to drive reform and innovation across the energy sector.
NNPC Leadership Reflects Strategic Intent
Dangote stressed that the leadership under Ojulari and Kida aligns with the President’s goal of transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy.
More importantly, he believes they are positioned to address structural inefficiencies and operational delays within the company.
He affirmed that their presence signals a renewed era of innovation and performance at NNPC.
Additionally, he expressed optimism that this team will help reposition the corporation as a global energy player.
Over the weekend, journalists asked Dangote about his earlier remarks concerning a battle against oil sector cabals.
In response, he clarified that the comment was not directed at NNPC’s current leadership or recent reforms.
Rather, he acknowledged that the new NNPC leadership had been supportive of his company’s operations and project needs.
He noted that his concerns focus instead on certain entrenched marketers and traders disrupting national economic progress.
Clarification on Cabals and Sector Resistance
Dangote described these actors as major players intent on obstructing reforms that threaten their long-standing monopolistic advantages.
Consequently, he said their resistance undermines the President’s vision to revitalise and liberalise the petroleum sector.
He urged continued vigilance and support from stakeholders to overcome these harmful practices.
Importantly, he commended the NNPC’s recent activities and structural reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.
He argued that the agency now shows a strong commitment to professionalism and public trust.
Moreover, he highlighted that the calibre of the new leadership ensures a performance-driven culture across the board.
He further noted that their agenda reflects a deliberate attempt to enhance the company’s global competitiveness.
Confidence in the Future of the Energy Sector
Looking ahead, Dangote expressed unwavering confidence in NNPC’s ability to uplift the energy industry under its current leadership.
He reiterated his group’s willingness to support a collective vision of energy security and national prosperity.
In conclusion, he stated that the momentum generated by these reforms could drive Nigeria toward a more prosperous energy future.
