The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and six others. The case, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, will resume on January 30, 2025.
The plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), requested the adjournment to amend the originating summons and serve all parties properly. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, seeks to stop the issuance of oil import licences to certain marketers, arguing that these licences violate Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The defendants include the NMDPRA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and five oil marketers: AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.
Dangote Refinery claims the NMDPRA has failed to support local refineries and argues that import licences should only be issued in cases of proven shortfalls in local supply. The company is also demanding ₦100 billion in damages for alleged violations.
In a counter-affidavit, the marketers defended the issuance of the licences, stating they comply with the PIA and other relevant laws. They argued that Dangote Refinery currently lacks the capacity to meet Nigeria’s petroleum demands and warned that monopolising the sector could harm the economy, drive up prices, and lead to supply disruptions.
At Monday’s hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel acknowledged issues with the initial filing and sought additional time to amend the suit and serve the defendants properly. Defense counsel also highlighted service delays, with NNPCL’s lawyer noting the suit initially included an incorrect name for the company.
Justice Ekwo directed Dangote Refinery to ensure proper filing and service before the next hearing. The case was adjourned to allow all parties to address these procedural matters.