Three major oil marketers; Matrix Energy, AA Rano and AYM Shafa have applied to join the N100 billion lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery over petroleum import licences.

The application was filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, with the marketers arguing that they are necessary parties in the case due to their longstanding operations and significant investments in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

Dangote Refinery is seeking the revocation of petroleum import licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), maintaining that import permits should only be granted when there is a shortage of locally refined petroleum products. The refinery is also asking the court to halt the operation of facilities used for imported fuel where no supply shortfall exists.

However, Matrix Energy, AA Rano and AYM Shafa contend that the lawsuit is aimed at eliminating competition and creating a monopoly in the downstream petroleum market, contrary to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). They urged the court to dismiss the suit, noting that Dangote had previously withdrawn a similar case.

The matter has been adjourned until October 7, 2026, for further hearing. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.