The President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

The high-level meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and NNPC Ltd.

Both parties emphasized the importance of fostering healthy competition and building mutually beneficial partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s energy security and drive economic growth.

This was revealed by NNPCL via its official X account.

This represents the first official engagement between the two parties following the abrupt removal of former NNPCL GCEO, Mele Kyari, in April, and the appointment of Mr. Bayo Ojulari as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limit.

Tensions had escalated in recent months between the Dangote Group and NNPCL over the stalled naira-for-crude oil deal, which insiders attributed to ambiguity and lack of commitment under the former leadership.

Tensions further escalated over NNPCL’s $1 billion equity investment in the refinery project amid prevailing liquidity challenges.

During the visit on Thursday, Dangote highlighted the power of collaboration in achieving what many deem impossible, noting that greater synergy within the sector could accelerate economic growth and industrial transformation. He also praised the new NNPC Ltd. management team for its strong industry knowledge and professional approach.

“I am very impressed by the quality and experience of the new team. I believe we can work together to achieve great things for the country,” Dangote stated.

Responding, Ojulari hailed Dangote as a humble African leader whose accomplishments have consistently inspired pride across the continent.

He also lauded the visionary entrepreneur for his significant contributions to Africa’s industrial renaissance.

Since assuming office, Ojulari has praised the exceptional talent within NNPC Ltd., emphasizing the organization’s dedication to delivering excellence in Nigeria’s energy sector.

Both leaders committed to serving as direct relationship managers for their respective organizations, vowing to pursue continuous, productive collaboration and healthy competition for the greater good of the nation.