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Fuel Import: We’re Settling Out of Court With NNPC, Others — Dangote
Fuel Import: We’re Settling Out of Court With NNPC, Others — Dangote
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA—Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals said yesterday it was settling out of court with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and six others over import licences granted them by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to import petrol into the country.
Recall that the company had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, praying it to nullify the licenses and also award it N100billion damages against the 1st defendant which is the NNPCL
However, in a statement last night, Dangote said it was ready to settle the case amicably with NNPCL and other defendants in what it described as an old case filed in June.
The statement, signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejine, read: ‘’This is an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matter filed on Sept 6, 2024.
‘’Currently, the parties are in discussion since President Bola Tinubu’s directive on crude oil and refined product sales in naira initiative, which the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved.
‘’We have made tremendous progress in that regard and events have overtaken this development. No party has been served with court processes and there is no intention of doing so. We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings.
‘’It is important to stress that no orders have been made and there are no adverse effects on any party. We understand that once the matter comes up in January 2025, we will be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.’’
Dangote had in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, queried the propriety of the licence issued to the defendants to bring refined petroleum products into the country when there is no shortfall in its production.
Other defendants in the suit are the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited as well as Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.
The plaintiff is equally praying the court to award N100 billion in damages against the NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL and the other defendants for the import of petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel (aviation turbine fuel) into Nigeria.
It told the court that the licences were issued to the defendants, “despite the production of AGO and Jet-A1 that exceeds the current daily consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria by the Dangote Refinery.”
Specifically, Dangote Refinery, among other things, applied for an order of injunction, restraining the 1st defendant (NMDPRA) from further issuing and/or renewing import licenses to the 2nd to 7th defendants or other companies to import petroleum products.
It further sought general damages in the sum of N100 billion against the 1st defendant, as well as an order of the court directing the 1st defendant to seal off all tank farms, storage facilities, warehouses, and stations used by the defendants for the storage of all refined petroleum products imported into Nigeria.
Other reliefs the plaintiff prayed for, included, “a declaration that by the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Act (NEPZA), Sections 23(h) and 55(1) of the Companies Income Tax Act (CIT Act), Paragraph 6 of the Second Schedule to the CIT Act, Regulation 54(2)(a)(i) of the Dangote Industries Free Zone Regulation 2020, and the Finance Act, the plaintiff, being an entity duly registered as a Free-Zone Enterprise, is exempted from all federal, state, and local government taxes, levies, and other rates.
“A declaration that it is against the NEPZA Act, CIT Act, Finance Act, and Dangote Industries Free Zone Regulation 2020, as well as legislative intent, for the 1st Defendant to impose or threaten to impose on the plaintiff an additional financial obligation of a 0.5% levy meant for off-takers of petroleum products directly and an additional 0.5% wholesale levy in favour of the Midstream Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, MDGIF.
“An order of mandatory injunction directing the 1st Defendant to withdraw immediately all import licenses issued to the 2nd-7th defendants and other companies other than the plaintiff and other local refineries for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products into Nigeria.”
“An order of injunction restraining the 1st Defendant from imposing and demanding a 0.5% levy meant for off-takers of petroleum products directly and an additional 0.5% wholesale levy in favour of MDGIF or any other levy or sum against the plaintiff.”
According to the plaintiff, NMDPRA acted in breach of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products to the defendants.
In the processes filed through a team of lawyers led by Mr Ogwu Onoja, SAN, the plaintiff, such licenses ought to be issued only when there is a shortfall of petroleum products in the country.
It urged the court to declare that NMDPRA violates its statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for not encouraging local refineries such as the one owned by the plaintiff.
In an affidavit deposed to by the Group General Manager of Government and Strategic Relations at Dangote Refinery, Ahmed Hashem, he told the court that import licenses granted to other companies by NMDPRA for the importation of AGO and Jet-A1 are crippling the plaintiff’s business which it committed substantial financial resources in billions of US dollars.
He averred that the plaintiff’s products are largely left unpatronized due to the actions of NMDPRA.
More so, the deponent told the court that NMDPRA has threatened to impose and demand a 0.5% levy on the plaintiff on wholesales and off-takers, as well as another 0.5% levy on wholesales to the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) via a letter dated June 10, 2024, contrary to statutory provisions that limit the implementation of levies on transactions within Free Zones.
He alleged a grand conspiracy and concerted effort by International Oil Companies and interests, in conjunction with the defendants, who are unhappy that Nigeria has an indigenous refinery ready to solve the lingering energy crisis and save the economy.
“The intervention of the honourable court has become necessary to stem the incessant violation of statutory provisions by the 1st Defendant in favour of other entities such as the 2nd to 7th defendants,” the plaintiff added.
Meanwhile, there were indications that the matter may not be heard by the court as a member of the plaintiff’s legal team, Mr George Ibrahim, SAN, notified the court yesterday that efforts to amicably resolve the issue were afoot.
He said the defendants had indicated their intention to explore an out-of-court settlement. Consequently, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter till January 20, 2025, for a report of settlement.
Culled: Vanguard News
By Divine Perezide
WARRI — The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has backed the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, over his recent assertion that Ijaws occupy six local government areas in Delta State, describing the claim as factual and widely acknowledged.
Guwor had made the statement during a gathering in Bomadi where Ijaw leaders hosted Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. The event also featured the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori as preferred candidates for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections by Ijaw stakeholders in the state.
The Speaker, while presiding over the adoption of a motion moved by Julius Pondi and seconded by Preyor Oboro, noted that the political stance reflected the position of Ijaws residing across six local government areas in Delta.
However, the comment has drawn criticism from sections of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, who challenged the accuracy of the claim and described it as misleading.
Reacting to the controversy, the IYC Western Zone dismissed the criticisms, insisting that the Speaker’s statement aligns with demographic and political realities.
Speaking in Warri, the IYC Western Zone Information Officer, Tare Magbei, said the backlash was driven by political opposition and ethnic bias.
Magbei maintained that Ijaws have undisputed dominance in Burutu and Bomadi Local Government Areas, while constituting the majority population in Patani, Warri South-West, and Warri North, and maintaining a minority presence in Warri South.
He described attempts to discredit the Speaker as “deliberate efforts to misinform the public,” adding that the issue has been unnecessarily politicised due to the approaching election cycle.
According to him, “what the Speaker stated reflects the obvious realities known to residents of Delta State,” noting that stirring ethnic sentiments for political gain could undermine peaceful coexistence in the region.
The IYC spokesman further warned that disputing such claims could heighten tensions, emphasizing that the Ijaw people have historically demonstrated restraint and commitment to peaceful relations with neighbouring ethnic groups.
He urged political actors to prioritise issue-based engagement rather than what he termed campaigns of calumny targeted at public office holders, including the Speaker.
The development underscores growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as stakeholders across Delta State continue to position themselves within the broader dynamics of ethnic representation and electoral strategy.
By Favour Bibaikefie
BOMADI, DELTA STATE — Prominent Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers and political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced at a large gathering held in Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, during a grand reception organised by Delta Ijaw political leaders in honour of the governor.
The event drew thousands of Ijaw indigenes and key figures from across the Niger Delta, including the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dennis Brutu Otuaro, who led the mobilisation efforts alongside other stakeholders.
The motion for endorsement was formally moved by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, and seconded by Delta State lawmaker Hon. Kenneth Oboro. It was subsequently ratified through a voice vote presided over by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Also present was Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who commended the Delta State administration for its development-focused approach in Ijaw communities.
In recognition of his contributions, traditional rulers under the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum conferred the chieftaincy title “Izonebimiewei”—meaning “the man who does good for the Ijaw people”—on Governor Oborevwori. The monarchs described the honour as a reflection of his infrastructural strides and commitment to the welfare of riverine communities.
Among the royal fathers in attendance were the Ebenana-owei of Ogulagha Kingdom, HRM Joseph Timiyan; Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, HRM Pere Kalanama VIII; and several other paramount rulers across Ijaw kingdoms in Delta State.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oborevwori expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. He noted that significant investments—running into hundreds of billions of naira—had already been made in infrastructure and social development across Ijaw areas.
According to him, the continued support of the Ijaw people would be reciprocated through further projects and political inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Otuaro urged the people to sustain their support for the current administration at the federal level, citing ongoing development initiatives in the Niger Delta. He pointed to key interventions, including large-scale infrastructure projects and strengthened institutional support for regional agencies.
He emphasized that continuity in leadership would consolidate the gains recorded so far, urging members of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement 2027 to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, explained that the reception was convened as a demonstration of appreciation for the governor’s developmental achievements in Ijaw communities.
The event also witnessed a strong turnout of supporters aligned with the pro-Tinubu campaign structure, further underscoring the growing political momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The endorsement marks a significant political statement from the Ijaw bloc in Delta State, signalling early alignment and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.