Business
We’re settling out of court with NNPC, others — Dangote
We’re settling out of court with NNPC, others — Dangote
Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals said yesterday it was settling out of court with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and six others over import licences granted them by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to import petrol into the country.
Recall that the company had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, praying it to nullify the licenses and also award it N100billion damages against the 1st defendant which is the NNPCL
However, in a statement last night, Dangote said it was ready to settle the case amicably with NNPCL and other defendants in what it described as an old case filed in June.
The statement, signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejine, read: ‘’This is an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matter filed on Sept 6, 2024.
‘’Currently, the parties are in discussion since President Bola Tinubu’s directive on crude oil and refined product sales in naira initiative, which the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved.
‘’We have made tremendous progress in that regard and events have overtaken this development. No party has been served with court processes and there is no intention of doing so. 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 will be in a position to formally withdraw the matter in court.’’
Dangote had in the suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, queried the propriety of the licence issued to the defendants to bring refined petroleum products into the country when there is no shortfall in its production.
Other defendants in the suit are the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited as well as Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.
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The plaintiff is equally praying the court to award N100 billion in damages against the NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL and the other defendants for the import of petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel (aviation turbine fuel) into Nigeria.
It told the court that the licences were issued to the defendants, “despite the production of AGO and Jet-A1 that exceeds the current daily consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria by the Dangote Refinery.”
Specifically, Dangote Refinery, among other things, applied for an order of injunction, restraining the 1st defendant (NMDPRA) from further issuing and/or renewing import licenses to the 2nd to 7th defendants or other companies to import petroleum products.
It further sought general damages in the sum of N100 billion against the 1st defendant, as well as an order of the court directing the 1st defendant to seal off all tank farms, storage facilities, warehouses, and stations used by the defendants for the storage of all refined petroleum products imported into Nigeria.
Other reliefs the plaintiff prayed for, included, “a declaration that by the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Act (NEPZA), Sections 23(h) and 55(1) of the Companies Income Tax Act (CIT Act), Paragraph 6 of the Second Schedule to the CIT Act, Regulation 54(2)(a)(i) of the Dangote Industries Free Zone Regulation 2020, and the Finance Act, the plaintiff, being an entity duly registered as a Free-Zone Enterprise, is exempted from all federal, state, and local government taxes, levies, and other rates.
“A declaration that it is against the NEPZA Act, CIT Act, Finance Act, and Dangote Industries Free Zone Regulation 2020, as well as legislative intent, for the 1st Defendant to impose or threaten to impose on the plaintiff an additional financial obligation of a 0.5% levy meant for off-takers of petroleum products directly and an additional 0.5% wholesale levy in favour of the Midstream Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, MDGIF.
“An order of mandatory injunction directing the 1st Defendant to withdraw immediately all import licenses issued to the 2nd-7th defendants and other companies other than the plaintiff and other local refineries for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products into Nigeria.”
“An order of injunction restraining the 1st Defendant from imposing and demanding a 0.5% levy meant for off-takers of petroleum products directly and an additional 0.5% wholesale levy in favour of MDGIF or any other levy or sum against the plaintiff.”
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According to the plaintiff, NMDPRA acted in breach of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products to the defendants.
In the processes filed through a team of lawyers led by Mr Ogwu Onoja, SAN, the plaintiff, such licenses ought to be issued only when there is a shortfall of petroleum products in the country.
It urged the court to declare that NMDPRA violates its statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for not encouraging local refineries such as the one owned by the plaintiff.
In an affidavit deposed to by the Group General Manager of Government and Strategic Relations at Dangote Refinery, Ahmed Hashem, he told the court that import licenses granted to other companies by NMDPRA for the importation of AGO and Jet-A1 are crippling the plaintiff’s business which it committed substantial financial resources in billions of US dollars.
He averred that the plaintiff’s products are largely left unpatronized due to the actions of NMDPRA.
More so, the deponent told the court that NMDPRA has threatened to impose and demand a 0.5% levy on the plaintiff on wholesales and off-takers, as well as another 0.5% levy on wholesales to the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) via a letter dated June 10, 2024, contrary to statutory provisions that limit the implementation of levies on transactions within Free Zones.
He alleged a grand conspiracy and concerted effort by International Oil Companies and interests, in conjunction with the defendants, who are unhappy that Nigeria has an indigenous refinery ready to solve the lingering energy crisis and save the economy.
“The intervention of the honourable court has become necessary to stem the incessant violation of statutory provisions by the 1st Defendant in favour of other entities such as the 2nd to 7th defendants,” the plaintiff added.
Meanwhile, there were indications that the matter may not be heard by the court as a member of the plaintiff’s legal team, Mr George Ibrahim, SAN, notified the court yesterday that efforts to amicably resolve the issue were afoot.
He said the defendants had indicated their intention to explore an out-of-court settlement.
Consequently, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter till January 20, 2025, for a report of settlement.
We’re settling out of court with NNPC, others — Dangote
Business
FG Moves to End Used Vehicle Imports, Targets Auto Policy Passage in 2026
FG Moves to End Used Vehicle Imports, Targets Auto Policy Passage in 2026
The Federal Government has intensified moves to reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported used vehicles, signalling a decisive policy shift aimed at boosting local automobile production, improving vehicle quality and strengthening the country’s industrial base.
This position was reaffirmed in Lagos at the 18th edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) International Auto Awards, where the Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Otunba Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, said government strategies are now deliberately aligned to discourage the influx of used vehicles into the country.
Osanipin explained that the NADDC, working with relevant stakeholders, is tightening standards to ensure that only quality vehicles enter Nigeria, while government gradually phases out used vehicle imports in favour of locally assembled and manufactured alternatives.
According to him, a key instrument driving the new direction is the National Auto Industry Development Policy (NAIDP), which has remained pending for years but is now receiving renewed attention. He disclosed that the council is targeting the passage of the policy into law by the National Assembly by the second quarter of 2026.
“We are committed to strengthening local manufacturing in Nigeria. One of our major targets is to ensure the Auto Policy is enacted by the second quarter of 2026. We will soon forward it to the National Assembly and engage stakeholders extensively during the public hearing process,” Osanipin said.
He added that the campaign against imported used vehicles is further reinforced by the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Recycling Regulation introduced in March 2025.
The regulation, he noted, is designed to formalise vehicle recycling, promote a circular economy, enhance environmental protection and improve road safety, while also creating new employment opportunities.
The Federal Government’s efforts have also gained momentum following the approval of the Nigeria Industry Policy (NIP) by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), a move regarded as a critical foundation for the eventual enactment of the NAIDP.
Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, who was represented by Osanipin, said the NIP provides a clear roadmap for Nigeria’s industrial development, with the automotive sector identified as a strategic priority.
“The Nigeria Industry Policy has been approved by the FEC and will guide the country’s industrial growth. The next major step is the enactment of the Auto Policy. These are deliberate actions to give the automotive sector the attention and priority it deserves,” he said.
Osanipin also praised NAJA for sustaining the annual auto awards, describing the initiative as a platform that fosters healthy competition, collaboration and growth within the automotive industry.
Industry analysts say that with the approval of the Nigeria Industry Policy and the renewed push for auto legislation, the Federal Government’s clampdown on imported used vehicles signals a clear commitment to building a sustainable and locally driven automotive industry in Nigeria.
Auto
Jetour Dashing Claims NAJA 2025 Car of the Year as Industry Stars Shine in Lagos (with photos)
Jetour Dashing Claims NAJA 2025 Car of the Year as Industry Stars Shine in Lagos (with photos)
Jetour Dashing has been named Nigeria’s 2025 Car of the Year by the Nigeria Auto Journalists’ Association (NAJA), emerging tops after a closely fought assessment of leading vehicles competing in the market.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night at the 18th NAJA International Auto Awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The tech-focused compact crossover SUV edged out strong rivals, including the Changan CS55 and Chery Tiggo, to secure the industry’s most coveted title.
With the honour, Jetour Dashing joins an exclusive list of past winners such as the Changan CS55, Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla and Kia Rio, further affirming its growing acceptance among Nigerian consumers and industry stakeholders.
Beyond the Car of the Year category, the awards celebrated excellence across the automotive value chain. Mikano was named Auto Company of the Year, while Toyota Nigeria’s Isolo facility won Workshop of the Year.
Dangote Sinotruk clinched Heavy-Duty Truck Brand of the Year, Iron Products Industries (IPI) Ltd emerged Truck Assembler/Body Builder of the Year, Lanre Shittu Motors (JAC) won Truck Plant of the Year, and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) was named Passenger Car Assembly Plant of the Year.
In the alternative energy segment, Saglev emerged EV Brand of the Year, while Jet Automobiles Ltd was recognised as CNG Vehicle Assembler of the Year. Massilia Motors (Mitsubishi) won Most Innovative Auto Company of the Year, and Suzuki by CFAO was named the Most Competitive Priced Brand of the Year.
Model-based awards saw the Mercedes-Benz S-Class win Luxury Car of the Year, Range Rover Autobiography (Coscharis Motors) clinch Luxury SUV of the Year, Kia Seltos take Compact SUV of the Year, and Changan CS55 (Mikano Motors) emerge Midsize SUV of the Year.
Toyota Hilux was named Pick-Up of the Year, Toyota Hiace won Minibus of the Year, while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class emerged Most Popular Luxury Model of the Year.
Corporate resilience was also recognised, with Stallion Motors, R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Plc and ANAMMCO Ltd honoured as Resilient Auto Companies of the Year. Coscharis Motors won Multiple Brand Auto Company of the Year, CFAO Mobility emerged Most Enterprising Auto Company of the Year, and GUO Transport Ltd was named Transport Company of the Year.
Several brands were honoured as New Entrants of the Year, including New Era Automobile Services, JIM–ISUZU Pick-Up (Cedric Autos Ltd), JEGO EV, NORD A9 and Jetour X50, reflecting the increasing vibrancy of Nigeria’s auto market. NORD Automobiles also emerged Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year.
In aftersales and services, Carloha won both Auto Aftersales Company of the Year and Pre-owned Company of the Year, while Winpart clinched Auto Aftersales Service Provider of the Year (Parts & Workshop).
Individual honours featured prominently, with Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman/CEO of NORD Automobiles, named Auto Personality of the Year (Private Sector), while Otunba Joseph Osanipin, Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), won Auto Personality of the Year (Public Sector). Ifeanyi Agwu, Managing Director/CEO of BKG Exhibitions Ltd, was honoured as Auto Show Promoter of the Decade, and Sonu Singh of Stallion Motors emerged Marketing/Media Manager of the Year.
Speaking at the event, NADDC Director General Joseph Osanipin praised NAJA for sustaining a credible platform that promotes excellence, innovation and professionalism in the automotive industry, noting that auto journalists play a vital role in shaping public understanding and industry accountability.
In his welcome address, NAJA Chairman, Mr. Theodore Opara, described the awards as one of the sector’s most respected platforms, adding that the initiative has remained relevant over 18 years despite rapid technological and policy changes.
The 2025 NAJA International Auto Awards once again underscored its role as a key benchmark for recognising progress, resilience and innovation within Nigeria’s automotive ecosystem.
Business
Dangote–NMDPRA Conflict: House Launches Investigation to Stabilize Petrol Supply
Dangote–NMDPRA Conflict: House Launches Investigation to Stabilize Petrol Supply
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the ongoing dispute between Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, and Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The decision follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The motion was moved by Midala Balami, representing Askira Uba/Hawul federal constituency in Borno State, and unanimously adopted after a voice vote presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The dispute escalated after Dangote alleged in a newspaper advertisement that Ahmed spent about $5 million on the secondary education of his four children in Switzerland over six years, including tuition, airfare, and upkeep. The total claimed cost, according to Dangote, amounted to $4.8 million.
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Tensions between the billionaire industrialist and the NMDPRA CEO initially peaked in July 2024, when Ahmed claimed that local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, produce inferior fuel products compared with imports. Dangote denied the allegations and conducted tests on diesel from his refinery during an oversight visit by federal lawmakers.
Moving the motion, Balami warned that the unresolved feud could threaten domestic petrol supply, fuel pricing stability, and foreign exchange conservation. He emphasized Dangote’s critical role in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
The House directed the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream) to investigate the dispute, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose actionable solutions within four weeks. Committee Chairman Ikenga Ugochinyere said the panel is prepared to address the matter and called for a media “ceasefire” between the parties to prevent further escalation.
The resolution underscores the legislature’s commitment to stabilizing Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, ensuring fair regulation, and mitigating conflicts affecting the energy sector.
Dangote–NMDPRA Conflict: House Launches Investigation to Stabilize Petrol Supply
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