Dangote Refinery Denies Fresh Legal Case Against NNPC, Others Over Import Licences

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has firmly denied the filing of a new legal case against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Matrix Petroleum Services, and other companies concerning the issuance of import licences for petroleum products.

This clarification came after recent reports surfaced suggesting that the Refinery had initiated a lawsuit to void the import licenses issued to the NNPC and other companies.

In a press statement released on Monday by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Refinery addressed the ongoing lawsuit, stating, “No party has been served with court processes and there is no intention of doing so. We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings.”

The lawsuit, which was initially filed in September 2024, had challenged the issuance of import licences to NNPCL, Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and other companies. However, Dangote Refinery confirmed that recent discussions have shifted the direction of the case, and both parties have reached a consensus to pause further legal action.

The company also highlighted the significant progress made since President Bola Tinubu’s directive on crude oil and refined product sales in naira, which had been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). This development has shaped the current discussions, leading to the decision to halt court proceedings.

Furthermore, Chiejina assured, “No orders have been made, and there are no adverse effects on any party. We understand that once the matter comes up in January 2025, we would be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.”

Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi

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