Dangote files new lawsuit against Nigeria, months after withdrawing N100 billion case over fuel import licences

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has filed a fresh lawsuit against the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to challenge fuel import licences issued to marketers and the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). The refinery withdrew a previous N100 billion ($66 million) lawsuit last July, arguing that authorities continued issuing import licences despite local refining capacity. The new filing seeks to overturn permits granted or renewed by the NMDPRA, arguing they violate an earlier court order directing parties to maintain the status quo. The case marks a resurgence of tensions nearly a year after the refinery withdrew a similar suit. Dangote argues that the latest permits undermine its operations and breach Nigerian law, which it says only allows imports when domestic fuel supply is insufficient. Regulators and fuel marketers have defended continued imports as necessary to guarantee adequate supply and prevent shortages. The renewed legal battle underscores broader tensions over market competition, pricing power, and control of fuel supply in Nigeria's energy market. Meanwhile, Dangote has also rejected efforts by NNPC to increase its stake in the refinery ahead of its planned public listing.

(Source：Business Insider)