Court Bars NMDPRA From Interfering With Dangote Refinery Operations

A Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, from enforcing its directive suspending the loading and truck-out of petroleum products from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the interim injunction following an application by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

The court restrained NMDPRA and its representatives from entering, sealing, shutting down, restricting access to or otherwise interfering with the refinery’s operations at the Lekki Free Zone pending the determination of a motion on notice.

The dispute followed an August 24 directive by NMDPRA suspending the loading and truck-out of petroleum products from the refinery.

Justice Aluko said the case raised serious questions over whether NMDPRA has regulatory and oversight powers over operations within free zones.

The court held that an interim injunction was necessary to preserve the subject matter of the dispute while the substantive issues are determined.

The order effectively prevents NMDPRA from implementing its August 24 directive or taking enforcement action against the refinery for now.

The case has been adjourned until September 9, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.