Nigeria's NNPC challenges Dangote refinery lawsuit over fuel import licences

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has formally opposed a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos federal high court that seeks to void or limit fuel import licences granted to marketers and NNPC. NNPC argued that allowing the refinery’s request could create fuel supply disruptions, price instability and threaten national energy security, warning that the move could lead to monopoly control of the market.

The state oil firm said Dangote has not provided credible evidence that it can independently meet Nigeria’s total fuel demand without interruptions, and that the law permits authorised companies to import fuel under the country’s backward‑integration policy. Other fuel marketers have also objected to the suit, citing competition and supply stability concerns. The legal battle, which also involves the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, comes as Dangote prepares for an initial public offering later this year.