The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by dismissing its attempt to reject a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals regarding a ₦100 billion import license. The court found that the NNPCL did not properly follow legal procedures by filing an “incompetent preliminary objection.”
Justice Inyang Ekwo pointed out that the NNPCL failed to submit a counter affidavit in response to Dangote Refinery’s lawsuit. Instead, it submitted a preliminary objection that did not comply with court rules. He noted that issues of jurisdiction, which the NNPCL raised, are typically addressed in the final judgment rather than through objections. As a result, the court ruled against NNPCL, emphasizing the importance of following legal procedures.
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The judge also criticized the NNPCL for violating Order 16 of the Federal High Court rules with its objection. He stated that the NNPCL would not face any injustice if Dangote Refinery were allowed to amend its claim. Justice Ekwo agreed to Dangote Refinery’s request to amend its suit to correctly name the NNPCL. This means that the refinery can proceed with its case under the right legal parameters.
As the court rules against NNPCL it serves as a reminder that all parties involved in legal proceedings must follow the rules of engagement to ensure a fair and just process.
