- The national oil company maintained that no written amendment existed to support claims
- Justice Mu’azu agreed with NNPCL’s position, stating that the contract remained clear and straightforward
- The court held that the claimant failed to provide evidence proving that the contract scope was officially amended
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has thrown out a $19.6 million lawsuit instituted by Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Justice Hamza Mu’azu delivered the judgment ruling that the terms of a written contract cannot be altered or enlarged through verbal agreements or actions not formally documented.
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Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd had approached the court seeking an order directing NNPCL to pay $19.6 million as professional fees.
The company argued that the scope of its Direct Sale, Direct Purchase agreement with NNPCL was verbally expanded and that it deserved payment for additional services allegedly carried out under the revised arrangement.
Patrick Peter represented the claimant in the matter.
NNPCL, however, challenged the suit through its counsel, Ituah Imhanze of KENNA LP, insisting that all parties were bound by the express provisions of the signed agreement.
The national oil company maintained that no written amendment existed to support claims that the contract terms had been modified.
In his ruling, Justice Mu’azu agreed with NNPCL’s position, stating that the contract remained clear and straightforward.
The court held that the claimant failed to provide evidence proving that the contract scope was officially amended.
Justice Mu’azu further ruled that NNPCL fulfilled its obligations under the agreement and was not in breach of any contractual terms.
Consequently, the court dismissed the case for lacking merit and reiterated that any changes to a written agreement must be explicit and properly documented.
The judgment effectively relieved NNPCL of the $19.6 million claim and any associated liabilities arising from the suit.
