In a significant move toward stabilizing and advancing Nigeria’s energy sector, Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of Dangote Group, paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, on Thursday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja.

The high-level meeting marked the first official engagement between both institutions since the sudden exit of former NNPCL GCEO, Mele Kyari, in April. It focused on rekindling strategic partnerships and promoting healthy competition between Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and NNPC Ltd., with both leaders committing to a shared vision of enhancing Nigeria’s energy security and driving economic growth.

According to a statement shared by NNPC Ltd. on its official X handle, the visit comes amid renewed efforts to rebuild trust and collaboration following recent friction between the two industry giants.

Relations between the two parties had grown strained in recent months, particularly over the stalling of a naira-for-crude oil agreement under Kyari’s leadership — a deal that was intended to ease foreign exchange pressure and stabilize fuel pricing. Insiders say the agreement was revitalized under Ojulari, leading to the resumption of crude sales in naira and a noticeable reduction in the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), now at N915 per litre.

Tensions also arose around NNPC’s $1 billion investment in Dangote’s 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, a stake critics said strained the company’s liquidity during a critical phase. NNPC has since clarified that the investment represents only 5% of the total project cost and was part of a broader commitment to local refining capacity.

During the Thursday meeting, Dangote expressed optimism about the sector’s future, highlighting the need for synergy rather than rivalry.

“Collaboration is key. When we work together, we can achieve what many thought was impossible,” Dangote said. “The new NNPC management team is highly competent, and I believe we can collectively drive industrial growth.”

Responding, Mr. Ojulari commended Dangote for his contributions to Africa’s economic transformation and described him as a “humble yet visionary African leader” whose work inspires pride across the continent. He emphasized that NNPC is equally committed to excellence and national development.

“I’ve seen remarkable talent within NNPC Ltd. since assuming office,” Ojulari noted. “We are focused on delivering world-class energy solutions that benefit every Nigerian.”

In a symbolic gesture of mutual accountability, both leaders agreed to serve as direct relationship managers for their respective organizations. This move, they stated, would ensure sustained collaboration and open communication aimed at advancing Nigeria’s energy ambitions.