Dangote Refinery has dragged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and major fuel marketers to court over the continued importation of refined petroleum products into the country.

The refinery, owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, argues that local refineries are now capable of meeting Nigeria’s fuel needs, and that massive importation is hurting local production and costing the country valuable foreign exchange.

Court documents show that Dangote Refinery is seeking to stop what it describes as the dumping of imported fuel into the Nigerian market. The company wants the court to compel NNPC and marketers to prioritise the purchase of fuel produced locally at the Dangote Refinery.

The 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery began producing petrol in 2024 and has steadily increased output. Despite this, Nigeria has continued to import large volumes of petrol, a situation Dangote Refinery says is no longer necessary and is damaging its business.

Industry stakeholders say the lawsuit highlights the tension between local refining capacity and the long-standing fuel importation business model. Many marketers have existing contracts and supply arrangements for imported products.

Dangote Refinery stated that it has enough products to serve the Nigerian market and is ready to supply at competitive prices.

 The company believes local refining will help stabilise fuel supply, reduce pressure on the naira, and create more jobs.

This legal action is seen as a major test for Nigeria’s journey toward self-sufficiency in petroleum products after many years of depending on imports despite having four government-owned refineries that have been largely non-functional.

The case is expected to come up in court soon, with all parties expected to present their positions. The outcome could significantly affect fuel supply, pricing, and the future of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

More details are expected to emerge as the matter progresses in court.