Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the preliminary objection of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), challenging the competence of the ₦100 billion import license suit instituted by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.
In a ruling, Justice Ekwo held that the NNPCL failed to file a counter affidavit against Dangote Refinery’s suit but rather filed a preliminary objection, contrary to relevant laws guiding court proceedings.
The judge added that where the issue of jurisdiction is raised, the court can address it at the time of judgement.
He faulted the NNPCL for flouting Order 16 of the Federal High Court rules by filing an “incompetent preliminary objection” against the refinery.
ALSO READ:
- Harvard Energy Conference Rallies Experts For Nigeria’s Economic Transformation
- All On invests in PowerGen to close electricity access gap in Nigeria
- NEPCL Powers Lekki Police Division with 12KVA Solar System
- ENERGY TIMES 2026 Awards: Nominations Close September 20 as Entries Hit 122
- NUPRC Warns Flare Gas Awardees Over Permit Revocation
Justice Ekwo held further that NNPCL would not suffer any miscarriage of justice if Dangote Refinery amended its suit.
On Dangote Refinery’s application to amend its suit to properly cite the name of the NNPCL, Justice Ekwo said the refinery’s amendment suit is grantable.
He subsequently approved the amendment of the refinery’s suit.
