Court Blocks NMDPRA from Shutting Dangote Refinery

On Monday, a Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko, granted an interim injunction restraining the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) from enforcing its directive that suspended the loading and truck-out of petroleum products from Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This legal battle centers on NMDPRA's regulatory authority within the Lekki Free Zone, where the refinery operates.

The court's order prohibits NMDPRA, its officers, and agents from interfering with Dangote Refinery's operations until the determination of the refinery's motion on notice. The injunction follows an ex-parte application filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE in suit No.

FHC/L/CS/1174/2026, challenging NMDPRA's directive issued on August 24, 2026. The legal team representing Dangote, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria Olawale Akoni and Abimbola Akeredolu, argued that NMDPRA lacks regulatory powers over free zone operations.

Justice Aluko noted serious issues for determination regarding NMDPRA's authority, referencing a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation that stated NMDPRA could not exercise such powers in free zones.