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Nigerian fuel import licence legal dispute

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2026-10-13 06:27 UTC → 2026-10-13 19:03 UTC · added ~~removed~~

A legal dispute has emerged in Nigeria regarding the issuance of fuel import licences by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). On September 28, 2026, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the NMDPRA to continue issuing and renewing licences for three independent oil marketers: Matrix Energy, AA Rano Nigeria Limited, and AYM Shafa Limited. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that withholding these licences constituted ‘direct non-compliance’ with the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. Following this ruling, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE filed a motion at the Court of Appeal in Abuja to challenge the judgment. The refinery seeks to overturn the decision that compels the regulator to grant import licences. Advocacy groups, such as the Energy Watchdog, have supported the refinery’s appeal, arguing that continued fuel imports could undermine Nigeria’s transition toward domestic refining self-sufficiency and stifle the growth of indigenous refining capacity. In October 2026, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reported a net profit of approximately $4.7 billion for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, a significant increase from a $117.2 million loss during the same period in 2025. The company is currently conducting an initial public offering (IPO) to raise approximately $1.6 billion, with the subscription period extended to October 27, 2026, due to high investor demand. The refinery continues its legal appeal against the court judgment regarding the issuance of import licences.

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