A Federal High Court in Lagos orders the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to stop shutting down or interfering with Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s operations in the Lekki Free Zone. The ruling follows NMDPRA’s alleged directive to suspend product loading and truck-out of petroleum products.
In the cases reported, the court makes the order on an ex parte application filed by lawyers for Dangote Petroleum Refinery Nigeria Limited, with the judge identified as Justice Akintayo Aluko. The refinery argues that NMDPRA lacks regulatory authority over activities in free zones, citing an Attorney-General of the Federation position reflected in a letter dated March 2, 2026. One outlet also reports that NMDPRA’s action is linked to disputes involving the refinery’s free zone status and regulatory jurisdiction.
Sources agree the judge treats the issues raised as requiring judicial determination and issues an interim injunction to preserve the matter while the case continues. The proceedings are adjourned for a later hearing of the motion on notice, and the refinery is required to file an undertaking to indemnify NMDPRA if the order is later found unwarranted.
