Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Bashir Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer and Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
During a visit to the President, Dangote described the new leadership team as “formidable and professionally competent,” saying they are well-positioned to transform Nigeria’s most strategic public enterprise. According to a statement from Dangote’s media office, he praised the depth of technical and managerial experience within the team.
“The team under Ojulari and Kida reflects the President’s strategic intent to drive reform and innovation across the energy sector,” Dangote said. He expressed confidence that the appointments would help NNPCL overcome longstanding challenges and align with Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy.
In a separate conversation with select media over the weekend, Dangote addressed concerns about his recent remarks on challenges facing his $20 billion refinery. He clarified that his comments were not directed at the new NNPCL leadership, who he said have been supportive.
He identified the “cabals” he referred to as major oil marketers and traders who, in his view, are resisting much-needed economic reforms in the sector.
Dangote also lauded NNPCL’s recent structural changes, describing them as proof of a renewed focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
“With such a calibre of leadership, we expect a transformation that will propel our energy industry to new heights,” he concluded, reaffirming his group’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic revival.
