The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 18, 2025, to deliver a ruling on the preliminary objection filed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against a lawsuit initiated by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE over an oil import license dispute.
Legal Arguments Presented
During the court session presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, both parties presented their arguments:
- NNPCL’s Argument (Represented by Ademola Abimbola, SAN)
- The preliminary objection, dated and filed on November 15, 2024, seeks:
- An order striking out the suit due to a lack of jurisdiction.
- Alternatively, an order removing NNPCL’s name from the suit.
- NNPCL submitted an affidavit and a written address in support of its objection.
- On February 3, 2025, the company filed a further affidavit and a reply on points of law in response to Dangote Refinery’s counter-affidavit.
- The preliminary objection, dated and filed on November 15, 2024, seeks:
- Dangote Refinery’s Argument (Represented by John Ibrahim, SAN)
- A five-paragraph counter-affidavit, dated January 31, 2025, was filed against NNPCL’s objection.
- The refinery’s legal team also submitted a written address, urging the court to dismiss NNPCL’s objection for being unnecessary.
Court’s Decision
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to March 18, 2025, when the court will deliver its ruling on whether to:
- Strike out the case entirely,
- Remove NNPCL’s name from the suit, or
- Allow the case to proceed to trial.
The dispute revolves around importation rights and oil licensing, a significant issue in the Nigerian energy sector, especially following the emergence of Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a major player in the market.
