The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has said Nigerians should be grateful for the boldness and “audacity” of Aliko Dangote in building the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Ojulari made the remark while speaking about the impact of the refinery on Nigeria’s energy landscape, describing the project as a transformative step for the country’s oil and gas sector. According to him, constructing a multi billion dollar refinery of that scale in Nigeria required courage, vision and long term commitment.

His comments come amid ongoing conversations about fuel supply, refinery capacity and Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

The Dangote Industries Limited led by Aliko Dangote completed the refinery in Lagos after several years of construction. The facility, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, is regarded as one of the largest single train refineries in the world and is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports.

Ojulari stated that beyond the financial investment, the refinery represents a belief in Nigeria’s potential. He noted that such large scale industrial ventures are not easy to execute, especially in complex operating environments.

Industry analysts have repeatedly highlighted the strategic importance of local refining capacity. For decades, Nigeria exported crude oil but imported refined petroleum products due to limited domestic refining infrastructure. The Dangote refinery is expected to change that narrative by increasing local production of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.

Ojulari’s remarks have generated reactions online, with some Nigerians agreeing that the refinery is a landmark achievement, while others argue that the real test will be its long term impact on fuel pricing and availability.

The NNPC has maintained that partnerships between public and private sector players remain crucial to achieving energy security. Ojulari emphasized that collaboration rather than competition should define the relationship between state institutions and private investors in the oil and gas industry.

Economic observers say the success of the refinery could also influence foreign direct investment, boost employment and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.

As discussions continue around fuel supply reforms and market dynamics, Ojulari’s statement adds to the broader debate about the role of private capital in driving national development.