Dangote Petroleum Refinery has denied filing a fresh suit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
On Monday, reports said the Dangote refinery has filed a court proceeding seeking to void import licenses issued to the NNPC and other oil markers, to import refined petroleum products that are already being produced by the company without shortfalls.
EveryDayLagos gathered that President Bola Tinubu spoke to the President of Dangote Group after he was made aware of the matter in court.
The outcome of their interaction may have informed the latest statement by the refinery denying filing another suit but revealing that it is ready to withdraw the matter by January.
In a statement on Monday, Anthony Chiejina, group chief branding and communications officer, said the lawsuit reported has been in court since June and Dangote refinery plans to withdraw the case in January 2025.
“This is an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matter being filed on September 6, 2024,” the company said.
“Currently, the parties are in discussion since the President Bola Tinubu’s directive on Crude Oil and Refined products sales in Naira Initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).”
Dangote refinery said it has made tremendous progress in that regard and events have overtaken the development.
“No party has been served with court processes and there is no intention of doing so. We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings,” the company said.
“It is important to stress that no orders have been made and there are no adverse effects on any party. We understand that once the matter comes up January 2025, we would be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.”
On October 5, the federal government said Nigeria officially commenced the sale of crude oil and refined petroleum products in naira.
