The Dangote Group plans to withdraw its ₦100 billion lawsuit against NMDPRA and others after conciliatory talks initiated by President Bola Tinubu. The lawsuit, challenging import licenses granted to competitors, is deemed outdated by the group, which seeks to foster collaboration in Nigeria's petroleum sector.
In a notable development, the Dangote Group announced plans to withdraw its ₦100 billion lawsuit against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and several companies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited. The suit, filed in September 2024, challenged the issuance of import licenses to these companies despite the Dangote Refinery's capability to produce sufficient petroleum products locally.
In a statement released on October 21, 2024, the group described the legal action as “an old issue,” emphasizing that recent discussions have made it irrelevant. Anthony Chiejina, a spokesperson for Dangote, confirmed that conciliatory talks had begun among the parties involved, following an intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Chiejina stated, “We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings,” adding that no court orders had been issued that would negatively impact any involved party. He reassured me that the refinery intends to formally withdraw the case when it comes up for a hearing in January 2025.
This unexpected turn highlights a shift toward resolution rather than confrontation, reflecting the Dangote Group's commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The refinery, commissioned in May 2023, aims to enhance local production capabilities and contribute to the country’s energy security.
