Dangote Petroleum Refinery has filed a new lawsuit against Nigeria’s attorney general seeking to overturn fuel import licences issued to marketers and state oil firm NNPC, signalling renewed tensions in Africa’s largest fuel market.
According to Reuters, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has filed a new lawsuit against Nigeria’s attorney general at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking to set aside fuel import permits issued or renewed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Reuters said the filing argues the licences issued this month undermine Dangote’s operations and breach an earlier court order to maintain the status quo, with the refinery contending that imports are only permitted by law when domestic supply falls short.
The new lawsuit signals renewed tensions almost a year after Dangote withdrew a similar legal challenge in July 2025 without explanation.
Regulators and marketers have previously argued that imports are necessary to ensure adequate supply and prevent shortages. Reuters noted that Nigeria’s $20 billion Dangote facility, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, was built to end the country’s dependence on fuel imports, though imports have continued as the refinery ramps up output.
NEWS NOW:
