The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has accused Dangote Petroleum Refinery of seeking to monopolize the Nigerian petroleum sector.
FCCPC made this accusation on Wednesday, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, while appealing for its joinder in Dangote Refinery’s lawsuit.
Recall that Dangote Refinery filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and five others.
In the lawsuit, the refinery bemoaned how regulators granted import licenses without any noticeable shortfall in local petroleum production.
During the ruling, FCCPC’s lawyer, Olanrewaju Oshinaike appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo seeking to join the N100 billion lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Oshinaike noted that Nigeria operates a free market that enables individuals and organizations to engage freely in different sectors without restrictions.
The commission further argued that the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is an attempt to monopolize the Nigerian petroleum industry contrary to its mandate to ensure a free market. Additionally, the lawyer emphasized that one of the commission’s functions is to eliminate anti-competitive agreements and practices that may hinder smooth operation in the market.
Ultimately, he stressed the importance of joining this fight because any verdict delivered by the court would greatly affect the mandate of the FCCPC. On the flip side, Dangote Refinery opposed the commission’s motion for a joinder in the case.
The organization through its counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), described FCCPC as a “meddlesome interloper” that lacks authority over issues regulated by the Petroleum Industry Act.
Side Notes
As things stand, Justice Okwo has adjourned the case to March 18, 2025, to rule on NNPCL’s objection seeking the dismissal of Dangote Refinery’s N100 billion lawsuit. Other defendants are also seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit.
AYM Shafa Limited, AA Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Limited filed counter-affidavits, urging the court to dismiss the suit. Similarly, NNPCL appealed that the court rule out Dangote’s suit as the entity sued was non-existent or remove it as a defendant.
