Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has filed a lawsuit against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and several major oil importers at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The refinery seeks N100bn in damages, claiming that NMDPRA continues to issue licenses for importing refined products like diesel and aviation fuel, despite the refinery producing enough to meet local demand.
Dangote argues that these imports undermine its operations, as the market is flooded with products it already produces. The refinery claims this violates sections of the Petroleum Industry Act, which permits import licenses only if there is a shortfall in local production.
However, oil marketers are pushing back, stating that the market has been deregulated, allowing dealers to freely import or buy from the Dangote refinery.
According to one marketer, “There is no law in Nigeria that bans the importation of fuel, regardless of whether or not there is enough refining capacity.”
At a recent hearing, both parties indicated they are exploring a potential settlement, with the next court date set for January 2025.
