Marketers Reject Dangote’s Lawsuit on Fuel Imports

A new dispute has broken out in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector as petroleum marketers and depot owners opposed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s lawsuit seeking to stop petrol imports.

The refinery filed a case at the Federal High Court in Lagos, asking judges to void import permits recently granted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Dangote argued that the licences violated the Petroleum Industry Act, which allows imports only in cases of supply shortfall.

The NMDPRA had approved import licences for six companies — NIPCO, AA Rano, Matrix Energy, Shafa, Pinnacle Oil, and Bono Energy — to bring in about 720,000 metric tonnes of petrol. Officials said the move was necessary to complement local supply and prevent shortages.

Dangote insists his refinery, already producing 661,000 barrels per day, can meet demand. He disclosed plans to expand capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day within 30 months, sourcing crude from Nigeria and abroad.

However, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) strongly rejected the lawsuit, warning it could destabilise the market.

“The import licences at the centre of this lawsuit are not administrative courtesies. They are legal instruments… They exist to protect supply security, not to disadvantage any single producer,” the group said.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also opposed the move.

Vice-President Hammed Fashola said, “If he brings down his price to a reasonable level, importation would be difficult. It’s a simple thing to do.” He warned that blocking imports could fuel monopoly fears.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) added that importation remains lawful under deregulation.

President Billy Gillis-Harry said “As far as PETROAN is concerned, the lawsuit is not a necessary action.” He noted that marketers still face delays in lifting products after payment, raising doubts about supply sufficiency.

President Bola Tinubu, meanwhile, defended government support for Dangote at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, citing naira-for-crude deals and licence waivers.

“With the crisis around the world, Nigeria won’t survive with over 200 million people in peace without a refinery,” he said.