Dangote Sues Nigerian Authorities Over Fuel Import Licences
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has filed a fresh lawsuit against Nigeria’s Attorney General, challenging the issuance of fuel import licences granted to petroleum marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), according to court documents.
The case marks a renewed legal confrontation between the refinery and regulators, nearly a year after a previous suit on the same issue was withdrawn by Dangote without public explanation.
In the new filing before the Federal High Court in Lagos, the company is seeking to nullify import permits issued or renewed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). It argues that the licences violate a prior court directive maintaining the status quo on the matter.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery contends that the continued issuance of import permits undermines its operations and goes against regulations it interprets as limiting fuel imports to situations where local supply is insufficient.
The refinery, which operates a $20 billion facility with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day in Lagos, has positioned itself as a key driver in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products. However, fuel imports have persisted as domestic production ramps up to meet national demand.
Regulators and market operators have previously defended import licences, stating they are necessary to prevent fuel shortages and ensure stable supply across the country.
l
