Court Sets March 18 For Ruling On NNPCL’s Objection In Dangote Refinery Suit

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 18, 2025, to rule on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s preliminary objection against a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE over an oil import license dispute.

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after hearing arguments from NNPCL’s lawyer, Ademola Abimbola, SAN, and Dangote Refinery’s counsel, John Ibrahim, SAN. Both parties adopted their processes for and against the objection.

The case was initially scheduled for hearing on Wednesday, but Dangote Refinery’s counsel had informed the court that they had yet to file their response to NNPCL’s application.

At the resumed hearing, Abimbola reminded the court that the session was set for the hearing of their preliminary objection, and he was ready to proceed.

Ibrahim, representing Dangote Refinery, confirmed that they had filed a counter affidavit in opposition to the objection and were prepared to argue their case.

Moving the application, Abimbola stated that NNPCL’s notice of preliminary objection, filed on November 15, 2024, sought:
An order striking out the suit for lack of jurisdiction, or
An alternative order removing NNPCL’s name from the case.

He informed the court that their submission included an affidavit and written address, and they had also filed a further affidavit on February 3 in response to the refinery’s counter affidavit, along with a reply on points of law.

He urged the court to strike out the suit or at least remove NNPCL’s name from the case.

In response, Ibrahim argued that a five-paragraph counter affidavit, dated January 31, had been submitted, along with a written address.

He adopted their processes and urged the court to dismiss NNPCL’s preliminary objection, calling it unnecessary.

After listening to both parties, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter to March 18, 2025, for ruling on the objection.