The Dangote Group has said the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 6, 2024, is “an old issue” and that events have overtaken the suit.
Spokesperson for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said, in a statement on Monday night, that the parties involved in the suit had commenced conciliatory talks. According to him, the refinery does not have any intention of proceeding with the suit.
He stated, “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, 23 would be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.”
In its originating summons, Dangote Refinery argued that the NMDPRA violated sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing import licenses under circumstances where no product shortfall exists.
The refinery had contended that such licences should only be granted when there is a demonstrated need for imported products.
The group had said that the import licences issued to other companies were detrimental to its business, which had invested billions of dollars into production. The company had claimed that these actions had resulted in a lack of patronage for Dangote’s products.