The Dangote Refinery has filed a fresh lawsuit against Nigeria’s Attorney General, challenging fuel import licences issued to marketers and the state-owned NNPC.
Court documents seen by Reuters show the case was lodged at the Federal High Court in Lagos. Dangote argues that the permits breach an earlier order to maintain the status quo.
The refinery said the licences undermine its operations and contravene the law, which allows imports only when domestic supply falls short.
Dangote explained in the filing that permits issued this month weaken its ₦20 billion refinery project, which was built to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol.
The company had withdrawn a similar lawsuit in July 2025 without explanation. That earlier case also sought to nullify import permits granted to NNPC and traders.
Nigeria has long depended on imports due to underperforming state refineries. Dangote’s 650,000-barrel-per-day facility was expected to change that, but imports continue to cover supply gaps.
Regulators and marketers argue imports are necessary to prevent shortages. However, Dangote insists the practice undermines its refinery’s output and violates existing legal frameworks.
The dispute is paradoxical to a country that appears to be desperate for investments, especially in the petroleum refining sector, where it has struggled for years with its domestic production facilities.
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