Dangote Praises Tinubu’s NNPC Leadership Team, Vows to Fight Oil Sector ‘Cabals’

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, commended President Bola Tinubu for assembling a “capable leadership team” at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) during a visit to the State House in Abuja over the weekend. 

Dangote specifically lauded the appointments of Bashir Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman, describing them as a “formidable and professionally competent” team capable of driving NNPCL to greater success. 

In a statement by his media team, the billionaire businessman expressed confidence that the new management’s technical expertise and managerial experience would revitalize Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise. He noted that the appointments align with Tinubu’s vision of reforming the energy sector and achieving a $1 trillion economy. 

“We believe this team will tackle systemic challenges, enhance operational excellence, and ensure long-term sustainability for NNPC Limited,” Dangote said. 

When questioned about his recent remarks on “fighting for the survival” of his $20 billion refinery and battling oil sector “cabals,” Dangote clarified that his comments were not directed at NNPCL’s new leadership. Instead, he explained that the “cabals” refer to certain major oil marketers and traders allegedly working against Tinubu’s economic revival efforts. 

He praised NNPCL’s recent reforms, emphasizing its improved transparency, efficiency, and accountability under the new management.

“The caliber of leaders at the helm and their reform-driven agenda show a clear commitment to professionalism and performance,” Dangote added. 

Expressing optimism, he reiterated his group’s support for a prosperous and energy-secure Nigeria, backing the NNPCL’s renewed direction under its current leadership.