NEWS
Dangote Group To Withdraw ₦100bn Lawsuit Against NMDPRA Amid Ongoing Talks
The Dangote Group has announced plans to withdraw its ₦100bn lawsuit against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), following ongoing conciliatory talks.
The legal dispute, which arose from the NMDPRA’s issuance of import licenses to several companies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has now been deemed “an old issue” by the group.
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The lawsuit, initially filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 6, 2024, challenged the issuance of licenses to companies such as Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, AA Rano Limited, and four others, despite the availability of locally produced petroleum products.
Dangote Refinery had argued that these licenses violated sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which allow imports only when there is a proven shortfall in local production.
In a statement released late Monday, the Dangote Group confirmed that it no longer intends to pursue the case.
Group spokesperson Anthony Chiejina said the parties involved have opened discussions to resolve the matter out of court.
“We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings. No orders have been made, and there are no adverse effects on any party involved,” Chiejina said, adding that the case would likely be formally withdrawn in January 2025.
The legal battle was seen as a significant move by Dangote to protect its multi-billion-dollar refinery, which began operations in December 2023.
Dangote Refinery, with an initial capacity of 350,000 barrels per day, aims to ramp up production to 650,000 barrels per day by the end of 2024.
The company had argued that the import licenses issued by the NMDPRA were detrimental to its business, leading to a decline in demand for its locally produced products.
Background and Impact on the Petroleum Sector
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, was developed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
The country, despite being one of the world’s top oil producers, has long struggled with fuel scarcity, as all of its state-owned refineries remain non-operational.
As a result, Nigeria heavily relies on imports, with NNPCL being the primary importer.
The legal confrontation emerged at a time when fuel prices in Nigeria have skyrocketed.
Following the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023, petrol prices have surged from ₦200 per litre to over ₦1,000 per litre, exacerbating inflation and placing additional strain on Nigerians, who rely on fuel for transportation and power generation due to erratic electricity supply.
The Dangote Group’s lawsuit contended that the NMDPRA’s decision to issue import licenses was unwarranted, as the refinery was capable of meeting local demand.
The group sought an injunction to prevent further issuance of these licenses, arguing that local production should be prioritized.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
The case, which was adjourned by Justice Inyang Ekwo to January 20, 2025, is now expected to be formally withdrawn.
According to the Dangote Group, the matter is now being addressed through out-of-court talks, signaling a shift towards reconciliation between the refinery and the regulatory body.
With Dangote Refinery continuing to expand its production and supply of key petroleum products, including diesel, aviation fuel, and petrol, industry experts are watching closely to see how this resolution will impact Nigeria’s energy landscape.
The Dangote Group’s refinery remains a crucial player in Nigeria’s effort to reduce its reliance on imported fuel, as the country grapples with energy supply challenges that have persisted for decades.
NEWS
Kano Police Warn Residents Of Imminent Terror Attack Threats
The Kano State Police Command has warned residents of a potential terror attack, targeting public gatherings in strategic locations across the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, disclosed that intelligence reports indicated suspected terrorists were planning to carry out attacks.
“The Kano State Police Command, in liaison with other security agencies, has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.
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“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers,” the statement read.
To address the threat, the police command has enhanced security arrangements across the state. SP Haruna revealed that specialized units, including the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) teams, have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.
“A team of experts from the command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.
“The unit can be contacted through: 08169884988 or 07067157218 for report of suspicious persons or item(s),” Haruna stated.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the command through the designated hotlines.
“The command remains committed to protecting lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring public safety,” the statement concluded.
NEWS
Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun Land Disputes: Osun Constitutes A 100-Member Boundary Resolution Committee
In the bid to resolve the incessant land disputes between the communities of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has constituted an enlarged 100-member high powered land crisis resolution committee in which each of the affected communities has 25 representatives, and the state government represented by 25 members.
The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi made the disclosure in a statement in Osogbo, on Friday.
He revealed that the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Adetunji Olanipekun Larooye is the Chairman of the Committee, while a retired judge of Osun State Judiciary and Chairman, Osun State Boundary Commission, Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, would serve as the Co-Chairman.
According to Alimi, Gov Adeleke put in place the Committee with a view to bringing a lasting end to the incessant land disputes among the three affected communities.
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It was gleaned from the statement that there were four other traditional rulers on the panel, including His Royal Majesty; Oba Abioye Oyebode, the Olokuku of Okuku, His Royal Majesty; Oba Adams Iyiola Bamidele Yusuf, the Oloba of Oba Oke, His Royal Majesty; Oba Adekeye Oyedare, the Oloyan of Oyan and His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeem Ogungbamgbe,The Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesha.
Other members are Umar Abba Mohammed, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ayoola Kehinde, Osun State Director, Department of State Services( DSS) Brigadier General, Aliu Mohammed, Commander E.C.C, Ede, Sotiyobo Igbalawola, Osun State Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps( NSCDC), Anthony Chikezie, Commander, Immigration Service, Osun State, Adekunle Omoyele, Osun State Commander, Amotekun Corps, and Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Security, Barrister Dare Ojo.
Also on the enlarged Committee, where members are enjoined by Gov Adeleke to bring in their wealth of experience to bear on the highly critical assignment, are the Chairman, NBA Osogbo branch, Yemi Abiona, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ikirun, Niyi Akinsola, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ile Ife, Tope Olajoko, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ilesha, Raymond Oki, Esq; Others appointed to serve on the Ifon- Ilobu- Erin Osun Peace Resolution Committee are; Soladoye Abioye, the Surveyor General of Osun State – Dr Sodiq Olohunde, Office of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Marufat Adekemi Bello, Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Justice – Femi Ogundun,- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Govt and Chiertincy Affairs, Dr Fritz Mobolaji Olaoye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.
Completing the list of the Committee members are Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, Osun NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal, Osun Civil Society Coalition and Comrade Saka Mao, a Public Affairs Analyst
The statement has it that Gov Adeleke, will on Tuesday, the 28th of January, 2025 perform the swearing in ceremony of the 100-member enlarged Ifon, Ilobu, Erin Osun Land Crisis Resolution Committee, at the Multi purpose hall of Local Government Service Commission, State Government Secretariat, Abere Osogbo by 11:00am.
NEWS
Okpebholo Moves To End Indiscriminate Parking, Gridlock In Edo State
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged the Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Control Management Agency (EDSTMA), Engr. Stainless Ijeghede on indiscriminate parking and traffic gridlock, especially in market areas.
According to a statement in Benin City on Friday, by Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, his principal gave the charge while decorating Ijeghede with his new rank as the head of EDSTMA.
He noted that while addressing the new Managing Director and his personnel at the Exco Chambers in Government House, Gov Okpebholo pointed out that the agency should do its job well by ensuring free flow of traffic across the state.
He called on Ijeghede and men of the agency to ensure they checked indiscriminate parking of vehicles and buses, especially in market areas.
“Edo State belongs to all of us and whatever we are doing, we should do it with care not to harm anybody. I appeal to EDSTMA to ensure that the city is well kept because whenever I drive round town, I see vehicles everywhere as the city is not well kept.
“This is your primary assignment. You should ensure the city is well kept as vehicles park indiscriminately and they are causing obstruction. Traffic is not flowing as it should and it is causing serious gridlock. Is it that you are not doing your job well?
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“Is it that you are not doing your job well or because you have a new leader that is why traffic is not flowing, or because you don’t know your job?
“You people should wake up and keep the state clean. Make sure that vehicles are parked well especially in the market areas. Monitor markets very well as these areas are looking really unkempt with vehicles and buses parked indiscriminately, causing traffic gridlock. Edo people are worst hit. They suffer from this. Ensure free flow of traffic so that the people will be happy,” Governor Okpebholo emphasized.
The EDSTMA boss, thanked Gov Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve the people of Edo State and assured him of the loyalty of the agency.
He added that his men will do their job professionally and ensure that the is free flow of traffic across the state.