Court orders regulator to continue fuel import licences for three marketers

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to continue issuing and renewing petroleum import licences for Matrix Energy, AA Rano and AYM Shafa. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the regulator’s refusal to regularly issue or renew the companies’ licences was inconsistent with the Petroleum Industry Act. The court said licences should be granted, extended, renewed or reissued when the companies satisfy statutory and regulatory conditions.

The marketers filed the suit in June, arguing that the PIA neither prohibited petroleum imports nor prevented the regulator from licensing eligible importers. The court described regulatory action taken contrary to the law as null and void. Justice Ekwo also said the PIA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act require NMDPRA to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and restrictive practices.

The ruling did not remove NMDPRA’s authority to grant, amend, suspend, cancel or terminate licences in accordance with the law. It instead affirmed the companies’ entitlement to consideration when they meet applicable conditions. The case forms part of a wider dispute over imported fuel and growing domestic refining capacity.

Dangote Refinery has filed a separate N100bn suit challenging the continued issuance of import licences, arguing that imports should be allowed only when local refineries cannot meet demand. That case remains pending. Data cited in the material indicated that local petrol supplies increased while imports declined during 2026.