Dangote Refinery, part of the Dangote Group led by Africa’srichest man Aliko Dangote, appoints David Bird as the Chief Executive Officer.
Bird, was a former executive at Shell and ex-CEO of Oman’s Duqm Refinery. He was chosen to address operational challenges and drive the refinery’s next growth phase. This appointment reflects the company’s strategy to leverage global expertise for its pan-African expansion. Discussions around this decision highlight Bird’s qualifications and the strategic importance of his experience, while some express skepticism about the lack of Nigerian candidates for the role, citing the unique scale and complexity of managing Africa’s largest refinery.
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This appointment has elicited diverse reactions online with many casting aspersions on the motive behind choosing him as the CEO whilst leaving behind indigenous oil moguls.
Below are few reactions online :
“Is there no Nigerian to hold the position? Why did the company appoint a white man to such a position? Doesn’t that suggest a kinda inferiority or pessimism?”
“Someone once said that the company doesn’t belong to Dangote, but those who have been stealing Nigeria’s oil for the longest. He said that using Dangote was a ploy.
It’s beginning to make sense.”
“Nigeria that’s never had a working refinery in 20 years is where you want Dangote to look for a CEO to manage his refinery?
This refinery is the biggest private investment ever in Nigeria. No Nigerian has experience managing an investment this huge
Its business.”
“This is a very smart hire by Dangote Refinery!
David is beyond qualified for this role.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing him for over 20 years and have seen him in action as a leader, and friend.
Congrats, David! Rooting for your success!”.
Meanwhile, for those that didn’t understand that Dangote Refinery is different from Dangote Group…
“Dangote refineries is different from Dangote group.
Dangote is the chairman of the board of Dangote group.
Dangote refineries is a variant of Dangote group and the chairman of the board holds power over every variant under Dangote group.”
Dangote remains the chairman of the DANGOTE GROUP…
A welcome development for this nation and we Nigerian we will going to have experience from his know-how and vast experience . the new CEO is Man of achievement worldwide because we didn’t have working refinery here Nigeria for over thirty years how can you appoint a Nigeria man for this position… Mr David bird is seasonal and competent for this task.let us round him and gives him support that needed so that he can excel …