Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has withdrawn its ₦100 billion lawsuit against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and five other oil marketers. The notice of discontinuance was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, ending legal proceedings against all defendants.
The lawsuit had accused the NMDPRA of issuing petroleum import licences in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act, which requires proof of a shortfall before such permits are granted. Dangote argued that the agency failed to support local refining efforts and sought damages, alleging an attempt to undermine its refinery operations.
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In response, the NMDPRA and marketers defended their actions, insisting the licences were issued to bridge supply gaps and promote competition. They accused Dangote Refinery of seeking a monopoly in the petroleum market, arguing that the company’s current production could not meet national demand.
The case had faced procedural delays, including a preliminary objection by NNPCL over misidentification, which was dismissed by the court in March. No official reason was given for the decision to discontinue the case, and it is unclear whether an out-of-court settlement was reached.
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