National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Federal High Court in Abuja has set March 18, 2025, as the date for ruling on a preliminary objection filed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in a suit brought by Dangote Refinery.
The suit, filed on September 6, 2024, challenges the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (NMDPRA) decision to issue petroleum product import licenses to NNPCL and five other oil companies.
During the proceedings, Abimbola Ademola, Counsel to NNPCL, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the suit and prayed for it to be struck out.
Alternatively, Ademola requested that NNPCL be removed from the suit.
In response, George Ibrahim, SAN, Counsel to Dangote Refinery, urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection, stating that it was unnecessary.
Ibrahim also requested permission to amend the suit, which was granted by the court.
After adopting their written submissions, the trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the ruling until March 18, 2025.
The outcome of this ruling will determine the fate of Dangote Refinery’s challenge against NNPCL and the other defendants .
