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Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media

A legal storm is gathering in Nigeria's petroleum sector as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery's lawsuit against the Federal Government, which challenges fuel import licences issued to oil marketing companies, triggers a fierce backlash from the downstream industry.

The Dangote Refinery, which has ramped up production to 650,000 barrels per day, filed the suit arguing that the issuance of import permits by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority violates the Petroleum Industry Act. The Act permits fuel imports only when domestic supply falls short of national demand, a condition the refinery's lawyers argue no longer exists.

Oil marketers, however, have vowed to resist any attempt to create what they describe as a "monopoly" in the fuel supply chain. The Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria have both filed applications to join the suit as interested parties, arguing that competition is essential for price stability and consumer protection.

"We cannot allow one player, no matter how big, to dictate terms to the entire market. The import licences are legal, and we will defend the right of Nigerians to choice and competitive pricing," a MOMAN executive told Prime Brief Media.

The NMDPRA has not commented on the suit, but industry sources say the regulator is caught between supporting local refining a national priority and preserving a competitive downstream market. The case has implications for fuel prices, employment, and Nigeria's ambition to become a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Prime Brief Media will follow industry reactions and corporate disclosures as this story progresses.

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