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NNPC Ltd Opposes Dangote Refinery Suit, Warns Against ‘Monopoly Control’ Of Fuel Market
NNPC Ltd Opposes Dangote Refinery Suit, Warns Against ‘Monopoly Control’ Of Fuel Market
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has opposed the lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery challenging fuel import licences issued to marketers, warning that restricting imports could expose Nigeria to supply disruptions and monopoly control.
According to Reuters on Friday, NNPC argued before the federal high court in Lagos that granting Dangote refinery’s request to void or restrict import permits would threaten the country’s energy security and destabilise fuel supply.
In the court documents, NNPC said the move could expose Nigeria to “supply disruptions, price instability and risks to national energy security”.
The legal dispute centres on import licences issued or renewed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to fuel marketers and NNPC.
Dangote refinery, reacting to the move, filed a suit in April against the attorney-general of the federation, arguing that the licences undermine local refining and violate provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
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Marketers had also kicked against Dangote refinery’s suit, saying it would destabilise the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
NNPC rejected Dangote refinery’s claim, insisting that the law permits the issuance of import licences to firms with local refining licences or proven records in international crude and petroleum products trading.
The company also argued that the regulator retains discretionary powers to manage imports under Nigeria’s backward integration policy.
NNPC said there is no mandatory prohibition on fuel imports except in situations where domestic supply is sufficient.
The national oil company further argued that Dangote refinery failed to provide “credible, independent or verifiable evidence” that it can meet Nigeria’s total fuel demand or guarantee uninterrupted nationwide supply.
NNPC also denied allegations that it deliberately withheld crude supply from the refinery or attempted to frustrate its operations.
According to the filing, crude allocation decisions are based on “operational, commercial, security and logistical factors”.
NNPC
Also, the NMDPRA has applied to join the suit, widening the legal battle over fuel import policy and Dangote refinery’s growing market position.
Fuel marketers have also opposed the suit, warning that restricting imports could weaken competition and threaten supply stability.
The dispute comes amid plans by Dangote refinery to conduct initial public offering (IPO) in September.
Eereporter.com
Police Recover Stolen Motorcycle, Nab Suspected Thief In Niger
The police in Niger State have arrested one Abubakar Lawal, 28, of Kpakungu, and recovered a stolen Bajaj motorcycle allegedly snatched along Talba–Gidan Kwanu Road in Minna.
The command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the motorcycle was stolen on May 19, 2026.
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“On 19th May 2026 at about 9.45hrs, information received indicated that a Bajaj motorcycle was snatched along Talba road, Gidan-Kwanu. On receipt of the report, Police operatives of Kpakungu Div responded swiftly, leading to the arrest of one Abubakar Lawal 28yrs of Kpakungu, Minna,” he said.
Police
Mr Abiodun stated that the suspect was found in possession of a hammer, which he allegedly used to hit the victim on the head from behind before taking the motorcycle away.
“The suspect is in custody undergoing interrogation after which he will be prosecuted accordingly,” he said.
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NNPC Retail Holds Summit On Business Transformation
NNPC Limited convened industry leaders and key stakeholders at the 2026 NNPC Retail Business Transformation Summit, driving strategic conversations on the future of petroleum products retail marketing in Nigeria.
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The two-day Summit provided a platform to advance discussions on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric solutions aimed at enhancing value delivery across the retail segment.
NNPC
NNPC Limited remains committed to strengthening its retail operations through transformative initiatives that ensure efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy access.
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Police Nab Six Suspects Over Cattle Rustling, Firearm Possession In Plateau
The Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the police command in Plateau has arrested six suspects for alleged cattle rustling, criminal conspiracy and illegal firearm possession.
The suspects were paraded during the inauguration of the VCRU in Jos on Friday.
The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, said the unit was established following directives of the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Mr Ewah said the initiative also aligned with the police mandate to protect lives and property across Plateau State.
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“This fulfils the I-G’s directive for a force that is professional, humane, accountable and effective.
“This unit answers growing demands for faster, more precise and professional responses to violent crime,” he said.
Mr Ewah said the VCRU would operate under a Civilian Oversight Board comprising traditional rulers, civil society groups, lawyers and human rights advocates.
He said officers underwent intensive screening, selection and specialised training before deployment.
“Every officer selected has been prepared for operational excellence, disciplined conduct and unwavering respect for human rights.
“Their mandate is to confront violent crimes referred to them by the command for further investigation.
“We are equipping them to act with speed, precision and integrity because justice delayed and justice abused are both justice denied.
“Impunity, misconduct and abuse of power will not be tolerated under my watch,” Ewah said.
One suspect, Yahuza Sale, was arrested over a viral Facebook video allegedly capable of inciting fear and public unrest.
Police said detectives from the Pankshin Division arrested Mr Sale immediately after receiving intelligence reports.
According to police findings, Mr Sale confessed involvement in cattle rustling alongside Victor Danladi, also known as Boka.
Mr Sale reportedly told investigators they used locally made AK-47 rifles and revolvers during operations.
The Intelligence Response Team later arrested Danladi following Mr Sale’s confession.
Police recovered two locally made AK-47 rifles, three rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and one locally made pump-action gun.
Mr Ewah said investigations were ongoing and suspects would be charged after their completion.
“Under my leadership, the Plateau Police Command remains committed to proactive, intelligence-driven policing and community partnership,” he said.
Police
He urged residents to support police efforts with timely and credible information.
“The police cannot succeed alone. Provide credible information and we will act swiftly to protect you.
“The VCRU is your unit. Its success depends on trust and cooperation between the police and the community,” he said.
Mr Ewah added that the unit had a fully equipped operational base in Jos, with plans for additional sub-units across the state.
Eereporter.com
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