Matrix, AA Rano, AYM Shafa Seek to Join Dangote Refinery’s ₦100bn Fuel Import Licence Suit
Three major downstream petroleum marketers Matrix Energy Limited, AA Rano Limited and AYM Shafa Limited have applied to join the fresh ₦100 billion lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), escalating the legal battle over petroleum import licences in Nigeria.
Court documents obtained by Nairametrics show that the marketers filed a Motion on Notice dated June 16, 2026, seeking to be joined as defendants in the case before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Dangote Refinery had instituted the suit, asking the court to invalidate all petroleum import licences issued or renewed by the AGF and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The refinery is also seeking an order directing the closure of tank farms, storage facilities and stations used to store imported petroleum products where there is no proven shortfall in local fuel supply.
In their application, filed by Ahmed Raji (SAN) and Sir Chris Ekemezie, the three marketers argued that they are necessary parties whose interests would be directly affected by the outcome of the suit. They maintained that the court would be unable to determine all issues in the case fairly without their participation.
The companies told the court that, alongside other licensed marketers, they have invested more than $20 billion in petroleum infrastructure, logistics and retail networks over the past two decades. They stressed that they have been licensed by the NMDPRA to import and distribute petroleum products long before Dangote Refinery commenced operations.
The marketers further alleged that Dangote Refinery has consistently advocated an end to fuel imports since beginning operations and is now attempting, through the court action, to eliminate competition and establish a monopoly in the downstream sector. According to them, such an outcome would be inconsistent with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which promotes competition in the industry.
They warned that granting the refinery’s requests could have significant consequences for their businesses, employees and Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry. They also urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that it amounts to an abuse of court process because Dangote Refinery had previously instituted a similar action, which was later withdrawn.
Court records show that Dangote Refinery had earlier sought an interim injunction restraining the AGF, NMDPRA, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited from issuing or renewing import licences pending the determination of the substantive application. However, Justice C. J. Aneke directed all parties to maintain the status quo while the application is being considered.
The refinery subsequently accused the NMDPRA of issuing import licences despite the court’s directive, describing the action as a breach of the order. The matter has now been adjourned until October 7, 2026, for further proceedings.
The renewed legal battle comes amid a sharp decline in Nigeria’s petrol imports following increased output from domestic refineries. Recent NMDPRA data show that local refineries supplied 3.18 billion litres of petrol in the first quarter of 2026, while imports dropped to 965.52 million litres, representing a 60.2 per cent year-on-year decline. Domestic refineries accounted for 76.7 per cent of total petrol supply during the period, reinforcing Dangote Refinery’s argument that continued issuance of import licences is no longer justified where local production can adequately meet demand.
