A Federal High Court hearing on a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery against the issuance of oil import licenses to certain marketing companies hit a snag on Monday in Abuja. The case, which was due for hearing before Justice Inyang Ekwo, could not proceed as Dangote Refinery failed to serve its amended summons to the defendants.
Dangote Refinery, which is seeking to stop the issuance of licenses to the NNPCL and five other oil firms, claims that the licenses violate the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by allowing imports despite no product shortages. The company is asking the court to annul the licenses and award it N100 billion in damages.
During the proceedings, Dangote’s lawyer, George Ibrahim, explained the delays in serving the court documents, citing a motion to amend the originating summons filed late last year. However, NMDPRA’s counsel, along with lawyers for the other defendants, stated that they had not been properly served with the new filings.
The case was adjourned until January 30 for further motions, as Justice Ekwo expressed frustration over the lack of preparation. NMDPRA and the oil marketers have argued that the licenses are necessary due to Dangote’s inability to meet national petroleum demand and to promote competition in the sector.
The battle continues as the court weighs the claims and defenses in a case that could impact Nigeria’s oil industry.
