Import License: Court Adjourns Dangote Suit Against Marketers

Court adjourns Dangote Refinery’s import licence suit to January 30.
Dangote alleges NMDPRA violated PIA by issuing oil import licences.
Oil marketers oppose suit, claim monopoly would harm Nigeria’s economy.

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 to January 30.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the adjournment after the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), sought permission to amend the originating summons.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Dangote Refinery, in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, aims to stop the issuance of oil import licences to certain marketers, alleging violations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The defendants in the suit include NMDPRA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

The plaintiff argues that licences issued to NNPCL and others breach Sections 317(8) and (9) of the PIA, which mandate licences only in cases of supply shortfalls. Dangote Refinery claims NMDPRA neglected its obligation to support local refineries and is demanding ₦100 billion in damages for continued licensing practices.

Three marketers—AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano, and Matrix Petroleum Services—countered, asserting that Dangote Refinery cannot meet Nigeria’s petroleum needs and that monopolising the sector could harm the economy. They maintained that the licences comply with the PIA and other regulations, warning that exclusive control by Dangote Refinery could destabilise the market, cause shortages, and drive up prices.

During the hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel admitted to errors in the original summons and sought additional time to serve the amended version to all defendants. Defense lawyers, including Ahmed Raji (SAN) and Ademola Abimbola, requested proper service before proceeding. Justice Ekwo emphasized the need to position the matter for hearing and granted the plaintiff 10 days to complete the service.

Import License Dangote

The court also deferred the application of a party seeking to join the suit, instructing them to wait until service issues are resolved. Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to January 30 for proper filing and service of court processes.