The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s bid to stop a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which seeks to halt the importation of refined petroleum products into Nigeria.
Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed both NNPCL’s preliminary objection and a request by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to join the case. The judge ruled that the dispute could be determined without the FCCPC’s involvement, stating that the commission was not a necessary party in the matter.
Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), NNPCL, and five oil marketing companies over the issuance of fuel import licenses. The refinery argued that under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), import licenses should only be issued in cases of product shortfall—something Dangote claims it can prevent with its refining capacity.
The refinery is seeking N100 billion in damages from NMDPRA for continuing to issue import licenses despite its objections.
NNPCL, in response, challenged the suit, arguing that the refinery lacked legal standing to file it. It also claimed that the lawsuit was directed at a non-existent entity, as the suit named “NNPC” instead of its official registered name, “Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.”
However, Justice Ekwo dismissed NNPCL’s objections, ruling that the suit could proceed. He granted Dangote Refinery’s request to amend the suit to reflect NNPCL’s proper legal name and adjourned the case until March 6 for further proceedings.
This legal battle underscores a brewing conflict over fuel importation rights, with Dangote Refinery seeking to establish itself as Nigeria’s primary fuel supplier while NNPCL and independent marketers defend their right to import petroleum products.
