Fuel import: Dangote sues NNPCL, five others

Fuel import: Dangote sues NNPCL, five others

22nd October 2024

By Uzochukwu Uduma 

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has taken legal action against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and some major importers in the oil and gas sector at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, Dangote Refinery sought N100bn in damages from NMDPRA for continuing to issue licences for the importation of refined products such as Automotive Gas Oil and Jet-A1 (aviation fuel).

Dangote claimed the refinery’s production exceeded domestic consumption levels, rendering imports unnecessary.

But oil marketers kicked against this, stressing that the market had been deregulated and dealers were free to import the commodities or buy from the $20bn Lekki-based refinery.

Dangote also sought the cancellation of import licences granted to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and four other firms.

Joined as defendants in the case were NMDPRA, NNPCL, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

The refinery alleged that these imports sabotaged its operations by flooding the market with refined products it already produced without shortfalls.

Dangote also sought the cancellation of import licences granted to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and four other firms.