In an exclusive interview, Emmanuel Addeh reports from Abuja that the Dangote refinery has confirmed there are no new legal disputes with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) or any of its affiliates. The company clarified that the ongoing N100 billion lawsuit against the national oil company stems from an earlier issue.
This comes after a widespread online report suggested that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to invalidate import licenses granted to NNPC Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and four other firms. These licenses were allegedly issued for the importation of refined petroleum products, despite the fact that the Dangote facility is currently producing these products domestically without any shortfall.
The case, referenced as number FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, involves Dangote Refinery seeking damages from the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The refinery accused the NMDPRA of continuing to authorize import licenses for companies such as NNPC Matrix, allowing them to import products like Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel into Nigeria, even though the Dangote Refinery’s production exceeds national consumption levels.
Nairametrics highlighted that Ogwu Onoja (SAN), the plaintiff’s lawyer, urged the court to rule that the NMDPRA violated sections of the Petroleum Industry Act by issuing these licenses. He argued that such permits should only be granted during periods of product shortages, stating that the alleged actions of the NMDPRA had resulted in low demand for the plaintiff’s products.
Additionally, Dangote hinted at a supposed conspiracy involving International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other stakeholders who are reportedly dissatisfied with Nigeria’s progress in developing its own indigenous refinery, which aims to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis and bolster the economy.
However, in a statement released last night by Anthony Chiejina, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer for Dangote Group, the company emphasized that this issue is not new. He explained that discussions began around June and escalated into legal action filed in September.
“Currently, we are engaged in discussions following President Bola Tinubu’s directive regarding crude oil and refined product sales in Naira, which was sanctioned by the Federal Executive Council,” Chiejina stated. “We have made significant strides, and circumstances have evolved since then. No party has been served with legal documents, nor does anyone intend to proceed in that manner. We have mutually agreed to pause the legal proceedings.”
Chiejina also stressed that no court orders have been issued and there have been no negative repercussions for any involved parties. He expressed optimism that once the matter is discussed in January 2025, they would be in a position to officially withdraw the case from court.
