A Federal High Court in Abuja has set March 18 as the date to decide on the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s objection to a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE. The case revolves around a dispute over an oil import licence.
Legal Arguments in Court
Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the ruling date after lawyers from both sides presented their arguments. Representing NNPCL, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ademola Abimbola asked the court to strike out the case due to lack of jurisdiction. He also requested that NNPCL’s name be removed from the lawsuit.
On the other hand, John Ibrahim (SAN), the lawyer for Dangote Refinery, opposed the objection, arguing that the case should proceed. He filed a five-paragraph counter affidavit on January 31 to support his argument and asked the court to dismiss NNPCL’s objection.
Court’s Decision Pending
The judge postponed the ruling until March 18, giving both parties time to prepare for the next stage of the case.
This case is being closely watched as it could affect the refining and importation of petroleum products in Nigeria.
