By Ayomide Otitoju
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has described the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Complex as a “world-class facility,” commending its scale, technology, and operational performance following an inspection of the complex on Saturday.
Ojulari addressed journalists after touring key sections of the refinery, including the master control room, in a visit hosted by billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote. He urged Nigerians to recognize the leadership and vision behind the project, praising the “audacity” required to deliver a refinery of such magnitude.
“There’s nothing like being here physically to see things for yourself. What we are seeing here is what I call the frontline of world-class technology,” Ojulari said, noting that initial concerns about the refinery’s single-train configuration were allayed after observing its design and built-in redundancies.
The NNPC chief highlighted the refinery’s integration of advanced digital, artificial intelligence, and mechanical systems, which align with global best practices. He expressed pride in the facility’s output, noting that performance indicators had exceeded expectations. “This plant has now been tested to its full capacity, above its full capacity… every Nigerian should be proud that such an edifice is actually in Nigeria,” he said.
Ojulari also revealed that discussions during the visit included plans to expand the facility by replicating existing infrastructure to boost capacity and efficiency. “The expansion of the plant is in hand, which means that we will double the capacity… leveraging all common facilities… replication will be coming at a much lower capex,” he added.
He concluded by congratulating Dangote on the project, reiterating NNPC’s role as a shareholder and expressing optimism about the refinery’s long-term impact on Nigeria’s energy system.
