Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has accused some oil marketers and traders of attempting to sabotage President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, especially initiatives focused on revamping Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
After a meeting with the President, Dangote told reporters Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that his earlier comments about “cabals” in the oil industry were not aimed at the current management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
“The cabals I referred to are some major oil marketers and traders who are determined to frustrate President Tinubu’s reform initiatives aimed at revamping the nation’s economy,” he said.
Dangote, who had on May 1 remarked that he was still fighting for the survival of his $20 billion refinery project, expressed appreciation to the new NNPC management for their ongoing support in addressing the refinery’s operational challenges.
He commended the President for assembling a “highly competent” leadership team at NNPC Limited, singling out the appointments of Mr Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Mr Ahmadu Musa Kida as Non-Executive Chairman.
“We are confident that this new leadership will confront the structural issues within the sector and align NNPC with President Tinubu’s broader vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy,” he stated.
Dangote noted that the new NNPC leadership brings a wealth of technical proficiency and managerial expertise necessary to drive reforms and enhance operational excellence within the national oil company.
“The recent initiatives and structural adjustments introduced by the new management reflect a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability,” he added.
According to the industrialist, the quality of personnel at the helm and their reform-oriented approach signal a genuine commitment to instilling a culture of performance and professionalism in the oil and gas sector.
Dangote expressed faith in the new NNPC team’s ability to revolutionize the nation’s energy landscape and reiterated the Dangote Group’s dedication to advancing the government’s vision for a prosperous and energy-secure Nigeria.
