Import Licence: Court Throws Out NNPCL Objection Against Dangote’s N100bn Suit

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) objection to a ₦100 billion import licence case filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in his ruling, said the NNPCL failed to submit a counter-affidavit against Dangote Refinery’s claims.

According to the court, NNPCL filed a preliminary objection, which goes against court procedures.

The court said that when a court’s jurisdiction is challenged, it can be addressed during the final judgement.

He also criticised the NNPCL for filing a “preliminary objection,” which violated Order 16 of the Federal High Court rules.

The judge further stated that allowing Dangote Refinery to amend its suit would not cause any injustice to NNPCL.

On the refinery’s request to correct its filing and properly cite NNPCL’s name, Justice Ekwo ruled in favour of the amendment and approved the changes.