Suit on Import License: Court Adjourns to January 30 for hearing

The suit filed at the Federal High Court Abuja by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and six others has been adjourned to January 30 to enable parties complete filing and serving of court process.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the new date following an application for leave to amend the originating summons by plaintiff’s counsel.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the plaintiff, George Ibrahim informed the court that he could not serve the originating summons on the defendants.

The defense counsel confirmed it and requested proper service before the case could proceed.

A party that sought to be joined in the matter was asked to stand down for the time being until the issues of service are sorted out.

The suit initiated by Dangote Refinery is challenging the issuance of petroleum product import licenses by NMDPRA which the plaintiff claims violates Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Dangote Refinery had argued that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances of proven shortfalls in local supply and accuses NMDPRA of failing to support local refineries as mandated by the PIA.

In response, three major oil marketers—AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—filed a counter-affidavit urging the court to dismiss the suit.

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They argued that Dangote Refinery does not produce enough petroleum products to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption needs and that monopolizing the sector would be detrimental to the economy.

They maintained that the import licenses issued to them are lawful and in compliance with the provisions of the PIA, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.

The marketers stressed that granting Dangote Refinery exclusive control over the petroleum sector would eliminate competition, drive up prices, and destabilize the country’s already fragile economy.

They warned that relying solely on Dangote Refinery for petroleum products would expose Nigerians to supply shortages and higher costs, especially in the event of operational disruptions at the refinery.

(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)