The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to issue fuel import licences to three major oil marketers. The court ruled that the regulator's refusal to do so was in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This decision was made on Monday, September 28, 2026, by Justice Inyang Ekwo. The judgement followed a suit filed in June by Matrix Energy, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa.
The three oil marketers had challenged the NMDPRA's refusal to regularly issue or renew their petroleum products import licences. The companies, through their lawyers, Raji Ahmed and Chris Ekemezie, argued that the PIA does not prohibit the importation of petroleum products into Nigeria or prevent the regulator from issuing licences to eligible importers. They claimed that the NMDPRA's actions were inconsistent with the provisions of the PIA.
Justice Ekwo held that the NMDPRA's refusal to issue and renew the licences was inconsistent with the provisions of the PIA. The judge ruled that the authority had acted beyond the limits of the law. The court specifically directed the regulator to continue granting, issuing, extending, renewing or reissuing licences, permits and authorisations for midstream and downstream petroleum operations.
The judgement allows the three oil marketers to import petroleum products into Nigeria, provided they meet all statutory and regulatory requirements. The NMDPRA was ordered to comply with the court's decision. The regulator's actions were deemed "null and void" as they were in violation of the PIA and other relevant laws.
The PIA, which was signed into law in 2021, aims to regulate the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. The law provides a framework for the importation of petroleum products into the country. The NMDPRA, as the regulatory authority, is responsible for issuing licences and permits for midstream and downstream petroleum operations.
The court's decision is a significant development in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. The judgement provides clarity on the regulatory framework for the importation of petroleum products into the country. The decision is also expected to have a positive impact on the operations of the three oil marketers.
The NMDPRA has not made a public statement on the court's decision. However, the regulator is expected to comply with the judgement. The three oil marketers, Matrix Energy, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa, have welcomed the court's decision. They have expressed their commitment to working with the NMDPRA to ensure compliance with the PIA and other relevant laws.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the NMDPRA to issue fuel import licences to Matrix Energy, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa.
- The court's decision was made on Monday, September 28, 2026, by Justice Inyang Ekwo.
- The judgement allows the three oil marketers to import petroleum products into Nigeria, provided they meet all statutory and regulatory requirements.
