Dangote refinery asks court to void import licenses of NNPCL, others

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has petitioned a Federal High Court in Abuja to annul import licenses granted to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and four other firms.

The refinery argues that these companies already produce the petroleum products they are importing, thus rendering their licenses unnecessary.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, Dangote Refinery is also seeking N100 billion in damages from the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The claim asserts that the NMDPRA continues to issue import licenses to NNPCL, Matrix, and others for products like Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel, despite Dangote Refinery producing more than enough to meet Nigeria’s current daily consumption.

Additionally, Dangote Group clarified that no new cases have been filed against NNPCL or other companies. Anthony Chiejina, the chief branding and communications officer, stated, “This is an old issue that began in June and led to a filing on September 6, 2024.”

Chiejina also noted that discussions are ongoing following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive regarding crude oil and refined product sales in Naira, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).