Court Orders NMDPRA to Issue Fuel Licenses to Marketers
On September 28, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, mandated the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to persist in granting petroleum products import licenses to Matrix Energy, A.A. Rano, and AYM Shafa, contingent upon their compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
The ruling, delivered on a Monday, stated that NMDPRA's refusal to issue or renew licenses for these companies was inconsistent with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Justice Ekwo emphasized that the PIA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act necessitate NMDPRA to foster competition in Nigeria's petroleum markets and prevent monopolistic practices.
The court directed NMDPRA to continue all licensing activities related to petroleum products imports. The case arose from complaints by the marketers regarding irregular license renewals since July 2025, which they argued was entrenching market dominance by local refineries.
They collectively invested over $20 billion in their businesses, advocating for imports to enhance competition.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from The Will. Read the original report below.
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