Business
Dangote, NNPC Ltd Wrestle in Court over Crude Supply Sabotage
The Nigerian government and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP) are at daggers drawn over allegations of crude supply sabotage, which the refinery alleges is aimed at undermining its investments and frustrating its operations.
Though the government, through her agencies deny the allegations, the refinery in a recent affidavit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking an interim injunction to stop the issuance and renewal of petroleum import licences, averred that its operations are anchored on crude oil supply arrangements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), which it described as central to its refining business.
However, the NNPC Ltd refuted the claims, stressing that it would raise a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit and the refinery’s locus standi.
In the affidavit, the refinery told the court that, pursuant to its status as the operator of a domestic refinery in Nigeria, its business operations include purchasing crude oil from the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the NNPC Ltd and refining the products for sale to Nigerians to ease pressure on the government to make petroleum products available for local consumption.
The refinery alleged that the government had failed in its obligation to ensure adequate crude supply to local refineries, claiming the development was deliberate and harmful to its investment.
“However, contrary to the government’s obligation to ensure the adequate supply of crude oil to local refineries such as that of the applicant, the government, through the NNPC, has deliberately neglected to do so, in a bid to sabotage the applicant’s investment in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria,” the refinery alleged.
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According to the company, the shortfall in crude allocation has forced it to consistently source a substantial portion of its crude feedstock through international traders, who charge additional premiums on top of already elevated spot market prices.
The refinery further disclosed that its current allocation from the NNPC Ltd falls far below operational requirements, saying it currently receives just five crude oil cargoes per month from the government’s oil major, “which is less than half of the 13 cargoes” required to maintain full supply of petroleum products.
On regulatory matters, the DDRP alleged that despite producing above domestic demand, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has continued to issue and renew import licences in breach of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“In spite of full production by the applicant’s refinery, the reported production of the applicant’s refinery as published by the NMDPRA (both of which exceed national consumption) and the provision of Section 317(9) of the PIA… the NMDPRA has threatened and proceeded to issue import licences to other companies and petroleum marketers in violation of the provisions of the PIA,” it stated.
The refinery listed some of the companies allegedly benefiting from the import regime, including A.A. Rano Limited, Matrix Petroleum Services Limited and AYM Shafa Limited.
It further argued that import licences are issued quarterly, “and the applicant is apprehensive that the NMDPRA will continue to issue or renew import licences to these other companies”.
The company also accused government agencies of creating an unfavourable operating environment for its refinery, stating, “The government’s deliberate acts of sabotage through the NMDPRA, NUPRC and the NNPC create a negative environment for the applicant’s investment in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.”
Despite its grievances, the DPRP told the court that it had made attempts to engage relevant authorities in line with the objectives of the PIA through a letter dated June 14, 2024, routinely appealing to the government agencies for the implementation and execution of the objectives of the PIA.
On its investment, the company said it committed massive capital with the expectation of regulatory support and policy stability under the PIA.
It warned that the alleged actions of government agencies could have severe consequences for its operations and the wider economy. “The defendant’s violation of the provisions of the PIA through the NMDPRA, NUPRC and the NNPC portends grave consequences for the applicant’s investment in the oil and gas sector.”
It also stressed its role in employment and national development, warning of broader socio-economic risks if its operations are disrupted. The company argued that it faces irreparable harm if the court does not grant its request.
“The applicant is one of the largest employers of labour in the formal sector of the country after the government and the largest private employer in the country. Should the applicant’s investment in the refinery fail, it would lead to mass loss of employment for Nigerian citizens.
“If the defendant is not restrained from issuing or continuing with the issuance and/or renewal of import licences to persons/companies (through the agencies under its supervision, such as the NMDPRA) without complying with the provisions of the PIA, the applicant’s investment will be in severe jeopardy of failing, and it would be impossible to compensate this loss in damages.
“The balance of convenience is in favour of the applicant, as it will suffer irreparable damage if this application is not granted,” Dangote argued.
The company filed an ex parte motion on notice under Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2026, seeking urgent interim injunctions against the Attorney General of the Federation and the government agencies.
In response to the allegations, the NNPC Ltd said it would raise a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit and the refinery’s locus standi. “The plaintiff’s suit is premature; the plaintiff lacks locus standi,” the affidavit said.
The state oil major declared that the DPRP’s petroleum products were already expensive and subject to price swings dictated by commercial interests. “The plaintiff’s petroleum products are already sold at significantly high and fluctuating market prices, dictated by its commercial interests,” the NNPC Ltd averred.
Specifically, the NNPC Ltd defended the roles of the NUPRC and NMDPRA in the dispute, saying, “The 2nd defendant, NMDPRA, NUPRC and other relevant agencies of government have not frustrated the plaintiff in the execution of its business objectives or refinery operations in any manner whatsoever.”
In addition, the NNPC Ltd denied allegations of sabotage and deliberate denial of crude oil supply to the refinery. “The government and the 2nd defendant have not deliberately denied the plaintiff a crude oil supply,” the company stated.
“Contrary to the plaintiff’s allegations, the 2nd defendant has not sabotaged the plaintiff’s refinery operations,” it submitted.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged lenders to back oil and gas operators’ bids for the expansion of domestic gas production.
The Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, expressed the view when top executives of Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) visited the Commission headquarters in Abuja.
Eyesan emphasised the importance of collaboration between regulators, financiers and operators to unlock investment and accelerate growth in the country’s gas sector.
“One critical element will be financing, and we are hoping that you and the financial world will be there to support us. We will ensure that the industry operates in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act and all other regulatory instruments,” Eyesan said.
She disclosed that the industry’s appetite for investment is very strong, as demonstrated by the interest in the ongoing 2025 licensing bid round, which witnessed almost 300 applications from IOCs and indigenous operators.
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The NUPRC boss also highlighted ongoing initiatives around energy transition, including the issuance of Permits to Access Flare Gas (PAFG) to 28 firms and a target of 60 percent reduction in fugitive methane emissions by 2031, among other initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development in the upstream sector.
Responding, the Head of Oil and Gas Coverage at Rand Merchant Bank, Jonathan Ross, said the bank is keen on supporting Nigeria’s efforts to grow oil and gas production, with a particular focus on gas development.
He described gas as a strategic priority for the bank, citing major infrastructure projects such as the OB3 Gas Pipeline as critical to unlocking the country’s vast gas potential.
The bank also acknowledged recent regulatory reforms and improvements in security in host communities, noting that Nigeria is in a stronger position to attract investment than in previous years.
Anatolia Energy and Services Limited, operator of PML104/Okiori Oil Field, has organised a three-day leadership development programme for members of the Nembe Okiori Host Community Development Trust.
This, it was gathered, was as part of a strategic plan to build the capacity of the Trust to drive sustainable development of its host communities in Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
The programme covers strategic leadership, management skills, teamwork, legal and regulatory framework for the operations of Host Community Development Trust, stakeholder management, and communication, among others.
Those in attendance at the training were members of the management committee of the host community, members of the advisory committee of the community and members of the Board of Trustees Members of the community.
During the opening of the training, the Chief Operating Officer of the firm, Dr Adeleke Adedipe encouraged participants to make the best of the programme.
He pointed out that the company has invested so much to put the training together to equip the Trust members to effectively manage the operations of the HCDT and ensure sustainable development in the communities, as well as provide an enabling environment for the Settlor’s production operations.
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The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, represented by its Bayelsa State Field Office Manager, Sylvester Bighoro charged the members of Nembe Okiori HCDT to take the leadership development programme seriously and apply the knowledge gained in the running of the HCDT.
She expressed the Commission’s delight at the capacity building initiative of the Settlor.
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Barr. Peter Afagha, represented by the Director of Petroleum, Kuroakighe Mathias, expressed gratitude to Anatolia Energy for organising the training for the Nembe Okirori HCDT.
He said the training will go a long way in enhancing the performance of the HCDT. He further said the Bayelsa State Government will continue to support oil and gas companies to ensure smooth operation in the state.
Delivering his lecture during the leadership development training, a renowned leadership coach, Dr Emmanuel Dorgbaa of the African Institute of Public Speaking and Communications Excellence, called on the leadership of oil producing communities to transparently manage the resources allocated to the various communities for the overall benefits of the people.
He urged community leaders to have a clear vision of projects they want to do for the community and communicate the visions to members of the community in clear terms.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have unveiled the Nigeria Gender Country Program (NGCP) at a high-level virtual CEO Roundtable convened to advance private sector action on gender equality and inclusive economic growth.
The session brought together chief executives and senior business leaders from NGX-listed companies, IFC client organisations, and LCCI member companies to introduce the programme’s strategic framework, align stakeholders around a shared agenda, and mobilise support ahead of its formal launch.
The NGCP builds on the momentum of Nigeria2Equal and other initiatives that have advanced workplace inclusion, women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainable finance across Nigeria’s private sector. Designed as a more integrated and collaborative platform, the programme seeks to scale impact through coordinated action among development institutions, business leaders, regulators, and the organised private sector.
Anchored on three strategic priorities, the programme aims to increase women’s representation in leadership, improve access to quality employment, and expand access to productive assets—including finance, technology, and markets—for women and women-led businesses.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), underscored the private sector’s critical role in accelerating gender-inclusive growth.
“Gender inclusion is fundamentally an economic growth imperative. Closing gender gaps can unlock billions of dollars in value for Nigeria while strengthening business performance and national competitiveness. We must therefore move beyond viewing inclusion as a corporate social responsibility initiative or compliance exercise, and instead recognise it as a strategic driver of productivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
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Commenting on the initiative, Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, described the NGCP as a strategic platform for scaling women’s economic participation through stronger collaboration among the private sector, development institutions, and market stakeholders.
“The Nigeria Gender Country Program presents a significant opportunity to deepen impact and accelerate progress across corporate Nigeria. By expanding women’s access to leadership opportunities, quality employment, finance, technology, and markets, we can unlock substantial economic value while building a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient private sector. At NGX Group, we believe the capital market has a critical role to play in advancing these outcomes through stronger governance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
Also speaking at the session, Christian Mulamula, IFC Head of Office in Lagos, highlighted the strong business case for gender inclusion.
“Closing the gender gap is one of the most significant opportunities to strengthen competitiveness and productivity. Across Africa, gender inequality is estimated to cost up to $2.5 trillion. Through the Nigeria Gender Country Program, IFC is working with the private sector to expand women’s leadership, improve access to better jobs, and increase opportunities for women-led businesses. Building on Nigeria2Equal, this initiative focuses on practical, measurable solutions that help businesses grow while advancing inclusive growth,” he said.
In her remarks, Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General of LCCI, noted that the programme’s success would depend on leadership accountability and sustained commitment from business leaders, particularly in embedding gender inclusion into organisational strategy and execution.
The partners are expected to formally launch the Nigeria Gender Country Program at a physical event scheduled for July 9, 2026, where stakeholders will further advance implementation of the programme’s strategic priorities.
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