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and there are no adverse effects on any party involved,” Chiejina said, adding that the case would likely be formally withdrawn in January 2025.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.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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