Dangote Group to Withdraw Lawsuit Against NMDPRA Amidst Conciliatory Talks
The Dangote Group has announced its intention to withdraw a N100 billion lawsuit against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The suit challenged the issuance of import licenses to NNPCL, Matrix Petroleum Services, A Rano, and other companies despite the country’s domestic refining capacity.
In a statement released on Monday, the Group attributed the decision to recent developments and ongoing conciliatory talks. Anthony Chiejina, the Group spokesperson, confirmed that there were no court orders or negative impacts on any parties involved.
The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, argued that import licenses should only be granted when necessary to supplement domestic production. The Dangote Group contended that the issuance of licenses to other companies hindered its business operations.
The Dangote Refinery, a $20 billion investment launched in December 2023, has begun producing diesel, aviation fuel, and petrol. With a daily production capacity of 350,000 barrels, the refinery aims to reach 650,000 barrels per day by the end of the year.
Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products due to the inactivity of its state-owned refineries has posed significant energy challenges. The Dangote Group’s decision to withdraw the lawsuit could potentially contribute to a more collaborative approach between the government and private sector in addressing the country’s energy needs.
