Three oil marketers—AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—have urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. The marketers argued that granting the refinery’s request would create a monopoly in Nigeria’s oil sector and lead to negative consequences for the economy, stressing that it would worsen energy security and raise fuel prices. In response, Dangote’s refinery had sued the Nigerian Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and other defendants, claiming that they were unlawfully granted import licenses for petroleum products despite Nigeria’s local refinery capacity. The marketers countered that their import licenses were legitimate and in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, and that limiting imports could exacerbate Nigeria’s energy crisis.

Meanwhile, Dangote’s refinery has seen strong demand, with foreign firms like Vitol, Trafigura, and BP accounting for 75% of its shipments. Since beginning operations, Dangote’s refinery has been producing various fuels, including diesel, aviation fuel, and petrol, and is expected to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day once fully operational. This development is reshaping the petroleum market in both Africa and Europe. The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2025, for further proceedings.