By Peter Omopo
Abuja, July 29, 2025 — The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has formally withdrawn its legal action against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and several oil marketers over the issuance of petroleum import licences.
The suit, which had been pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, sought to nullify the import licences granted by the NMDPRA to NNPCL and six oil marketing companies, arguing that the licences violated provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). However, in a notice of discontinuance signed by its counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), Dangote Refinery withdrew the case without providing any reason for the decision.
“Take notice that the plaintiff herein discontinues this suit against the defendants forthwith,” the statement read.
The refinery had earlier filed the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, arguing that the NMDPRA acted contrary to Sections 317(8) and (9) of the PIA by issuing import permits when there was no verified shortfall in domestic petroleum production. It also accused the Authority of failing to promote local refining capacity and demanded ₦100 billion in damages.
Defendants in the suit included NMDPRA, NNPCL, AYM Shafa Ltd, A. A. Rano Ltd, T. Time Petroleum Ltd, 2015 Petroleum Ltd, and Matrix Petroleum Services Ltd.
In response, three of the oil marketers—AYM Shafa, A. A. Rano, and Matrix Petroleum—urged the court to dismiss the suit, accusing Dangote Refinery of seeking a monopoly that would undermine competition and increase fuel prices. They warned that allowing a single refinery to dominate supply and pricing would be detrimental to the nation’s economic stability.
NMDPRA also opposed the suit, stating that Dangote Refinery’s current output was insufficient to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption needs. The agency said import permits were issued to qualified companies with proven trading records to bridge supply gaps and ensure energy security.
NMDPRA maintained that it acted within the law and emphasized the need to encourage market competition while avoiding monopolistic control of the petroleum sector.
Similarly, NNPCL filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the suit was flawed due to misidentification and that Dangote Refinery lacked the legal standing to file the case. While Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the objection and granted permission for Dangote to amend its summons, the matter was subsequently scheduled for hearing on September 29 before Justice Mohammed Umar.
With the latest notice of discontinuance, the legal challenge has come to an unexpected halt, leaving observers to speculate on the reasons behind Dangote Refinery’s decision to step back from the high-profile legal battle.
