Court Orders NMDPRA to Issue Fuel Import Licenses

On September 28, 2026, Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) must grant fuel importation licenses to A.A. Rano Nigeria Limited and other oil marketers.

The court found that the NMDPRA's refusal to issue these licenses was in “direct non-compliance” with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The plaintiffs, represented by lawyers Raji Ahmed, SAN, and Chris Ekemezie, Esq., argued that the PIA does not prohibit the importation of petroleum products or the issuance of licenses to eligible importers.

Justice Ekwo declared that the NMDPRA's actions regarding import licenses were “null and void” due to non-compliance with the PIA and relevant laws. The judge emphasized that the NMDPRA is obligated to promote a competitive market and prevent restrictive business practices.

The ruling mandates the NMDPRA to issue, extend, or renew licenses for petroleum product imports upon fulfillment of statutory conditions.