The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and six others until January 30, 2025.
Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the adjournment after the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), sought leave to amend the originating summons. Dangote Refinery is challenging the issuance of petroleum import licenses to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and five major oil marketers, arguing that the move violates Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The refinery claims that the NMDPRA is required to prioritize local refining before approving imports and is demanding N100 billion in damages for alleged violations. However, oil marketers, including AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, have opposed the suit, arguing that Dangote Refinery does not yet produce enough petroleum to meet national demand and that preventing imports could destabilize the economy.
At the resumed hearing, lawyers representing the defendants stated that they had not yet been served with the amended court filings. Justice Ekwo, in response, instructed the plaintiff to ensure proper service before the next sitting.
The case is expected to proceed on January 30, with both parties preparing their legal arguments.
