Three major downstream petroleum marketers—Matrix Energy Limited, AA Rano Limited and AYM Shafa Limited—have asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to join the ₦100 billion lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) over petroleum import licences.
The companies, through a Motion on Notice dated June 16, 2026, argued that they should be included as defendants because the outcome of the case would directly affect their businesses and investments in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector.
Dangote Refinery is seeking to invalidate petroleum import licences issued or renewed by the AGF and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The refinery also wants the court to order the closure of facilities used to store imported fuel where there is no proven shortage of locally refined products.
Matrix, AA Rano and AYM Shafa told the court they have invested more than $20 billion in petroleum infrastructure, logistics and retail operations over the past two decades. They maintained that they have legally imported and distributed petroleum products long before Dangote Refinery began operations.
The marketers further alleged that the refinery's legal action is aimed at eliminating competition and creating a monopoly in the downstream sector, arguing that such a move would contradict the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which encourages fair competition.
They urged the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as an abuse of court process because a similar case had previously been filed and later withdrawn by Dangote Refinery.
Earlier, the refinery sought an interim order restraining the AGF, NMDPRA, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and NNPC Limited from issuing or renewing fuel import licences while the case is pending. However, Justice C. J. Aneke directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the matter is determined.
The refinery later accused the NMDPRA of continuing to issue import licences despite the court's directive. The case has been adjourned until October 7, 2026, for further hearing.
The dispute comes as Nigeria records a significant drop in petrol imports following increased output from local refineries. According to NMDPRA data, domestic refineries supplied 3.18 billion litres of petrol in the first quarter of 2026, while imports declined by 60.2 percent year-on-year to 965.52 million litres, with local production accounting for 76.7 percent of the country's petrol supply.
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