“The intervention of the honourable court has become necessary in order to stem the incessant violation of statutory provisions by the 1st defendant in favour of other entities such as the 2nd to 7th defendants,” he stated.
He said that the plaintiff is greatly distressed, and its investment’s risk being jeopardised unless the honourable court intervenes.
Dangote Refinery, therefore, sought an order of injunction restraining the 1st defendant from further issuing and/or renewing import licences to the 2nd to 7th defendants or other companies for the purpose of importing petroleum products.
It sought “general damages in the sum of N100,000,000,000 against the 1st defendant (NMDPRA).”
It also sought an order of court directing the NMDPRA to seal off all tank farms, storage facilities, warehouses and stations used by the defendants for the storage of all refined petroleum products imported into Nigeria.
“A declaration that by the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Act (NEPZA), Sections 23(h) and 55(1) of the Companies
“A.
“An order of injunction restraining the 1st defendant from imposing and demanding a 0.5% levy meant for off-takers of petroleum products directly and an additional 0.5% wholesale levy in favor of MDGIF or any other levy or sum against the plaintiff.
When the matter was called on Monday, George Ibrahim SAN, who appeared for Dangote Refinery, informed the court that the defendants had reached out to them for reconciliation.
“My lord, there is a development in this matter, which the lead counsel, James Onoja, SAN, has asked me to bring to the court’s attention.
“At the time we were trying to serve the originating summons on the defendants, they started discussing,” he said.
Mr Ibrahim, therefore, sought an adjournment to allow the parties to explore our-of-court settlement.
He suggested the court should adjourn for either a possible report of settlement or a report of service.
Justice Ekwo consequently adjourned the matter until Jan. 20, 2025 for report of settlement or service.
NAN.
