DANGOTE REFINERY TO WITHDRAW N100BN SUIT SLAMMED ON NMDPRA, SAYS EVENT HAS OVER TAKEN THE DEVELOPMENT
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GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has indicated plans to withdraw the case of N100 billion damages suit it instituted against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL and other importers, saying events had overtaken the development and it may likely discontinue the case when it comes up in January 2025.
Recall that an online media earlier reported that the private refinery had asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to void import licenses issued to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and four other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products that are already being produced by Dangote without shortfalls.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, Dangote Refinery was said to be seeking N100 billion in damages against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL, Matrix, and other companies for importing petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel (aviation turbine fuel) into Nigeria, “despite the production of AGO and Jet-A1 that exceeds the current daily consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria by the Dangote Refinery.”
Mr Anthony Chiejina, spokesperson for Dangote Group, in a statement acknowledged that the suit was an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matter being filed on September 6, 2024.
“Currently, the parties are in discussion since the President Bola Tinubu’s directive on crude oil and refined products sales in Naira initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” he said
He said the parties had made tremendous progress in that regard, and events had overtaken this development
“No party has been served with court processes, and there is no intention of doing so,” he said.
“We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings
“It is important to stress that no orders have been made and there are no adverse effects on any party.
“We understand that once the matter comes up in January 2025, we would be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.” He added.
