Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s preliminary objection against its N100 billion lawsuit challenging the issuance of petroleum import licenses. The refinery accused NNPCL of acting as a “meddlesome interloper” in a case seeking judicial interpretation of key provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Legal Battle Over Petroleum Imports
Dangote Refinery had filed a suit to invalidate import licenses issued to NNPCL and several companies, including Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and AYM Shafa Limited. The refinery argues that petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel are already being produced locally in sufficient quantities, making continued importation unnecessary.
The lawsuit also demands N100 billion in damages from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for allegedly violating Sections 317(8) and (9) of the PIA by granting import permits without proving a supply shortfall.
NNPCL’s Defense and Dangote’s Response
NNPCL, through its legal team, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the lawsuit was procedurally flawed because it named the defunct “Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation” instead of the legally recognized “Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.” It further contended that only NMDPRA has the authority to determine fuel supply shortfalls and that Dangote Refinery had no legal standing to challenge the issuance of import licenses.
However, Dangote’s legal team countered, asserting that NNPCL is merely trying to derail the lawsuit on technicalities. They insisted that NNPCL’s arguments should be dismissed as “useless” once the name correction is made. They also emphasized that a government policy (Backward Integration Policy) cannot override the provisions of an Act of Parliament.
Court Adjourns Case to February 5, 2025
The court has ordered Dangote Refinery to formally respond to NNPCL’s objections ahead of the next hearing. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for fuel importation policies, local refining dominance, and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s oil sector.
What You Should Know
- Dangote Refinery is Africa’s largest petroleum refinery and has been pushing for policies that prioritize local refining.
- The refinery previously accused fuel importers of bringing in substandard petroleum products.
- The Nigerian government has since allowed independent marketers to purchase fuel directly from Dangote Refinery, bypassing NNPCL as an intermediary.
Will this legal battle reshape Nigeria’s fuel import policies? Stay tuned for updates. 🚨