A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop a lawsuit filed by Dangote Refinery challenging the issuance of fuel import licenses to private companies. The court ruled that the case raises significant issues that require a full hearing.
Dangote Refinery, owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, had sued the NNPCL and the Federal Government, arguing that the issuance of import licenses to private firms undermines its $19 billion refinery project, which was designed to meet Nigeria’s fuel demands and reduce reliance on imports.
In its application, the NNPCL had sought to strike out the case, claiming it lacked merit. However, Justice Ahmed Mohammed ruled that the matter was of public interest and deserved a thorough hearing.
The case has sparked a debate about Nigeria’s fuel import policies and their impact on local refining capacity. As the legal battle continues, stakeholders are calling for a resolution that balances the interests of all parties and promotes Nigeria’s energy independence.