The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to allow it to join the ₦100 billion lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery against the NNPC Limited and other oil marketers. The FCCPC argues that Dangote Refinery is trying to monopolize the petroleum industry, which goes against its duty to ensure a free market. However, Dangote Refinery opposed the request, calling the commission a meddlesome interloper with no role in the case, which is based on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The FCCPC insists that any ruling in the case would impact its mandate, as the lawsuit relates to anti-competition issues in the oil and gas sector.
Dangote Refinery is suing the NNPC and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing import licenses to several oil marketers. The refinery claims that such licenses should only be given when there is a shortage of petroleum products. It is asking the court to cancel these licenses and award it ₦100 billion in damages against the NMDPRA. However, companies like AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited have filed counter-affidavits, arguing that Dangote Refinery does not produce enough fuel to meet national demand and that competition is necessary to prevent economic harm.
Meanwhile, the NNPC has filed a preliminary objection, asking the court to strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction, arguing that the entity sued does not exist. The court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, heard arguments from both sides on Wednesday. After the session, the judge adjourned the ruling on the preliminary objection until March 18, 2025.