By DAYO ADESULU
Company Refutes Recent Claims of New Lawsuit Against NNPC and Others
The management of Dangote Refinery has officially denied reports suggesting that it has initiated new legal action against the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other entities concerning import licenses. This clarification comes in response to recent media coverage indicating that the Refinery had filed a lawsuit to invalidate these licenses.
Clarification from Dangote Industries
In a statement released on Monday by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, the company labeled the reports as inaccurate. Chiejina clarified that the legal issue in question originated in June, culminating in a formal case being filed on September 6, 2024.
Update on the Crude Oil-for-Naira Initiative
The statement further explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive regarding the crude oil-for-naira initiative has rendered the previous matter outdated. This initiative, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has shifted the focus of discussions among the involved parties.
Chiejina’s statement read, “This is an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matter being filed on September 6, 2024. 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). We have made tremendous progress in that regard, and events have overtaken this development.”
No Legal Proceedings Planned
It was emphasized in the statement that no party has been served with court processes related to the case, and there are no plans to proceed with legal action. The management confirmed, “We have agreed to put a halt to the proceedings. 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 in January 2025, we would be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.”
Conclusion
Dangote Refinery’s clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding its legal standing concerning import licenses issued to NNPC and other companies. As discussions continue in light of new government initiatives, the company appears focused on resolving matters amicably and moving forward.
