Business
Court dismisses NNPCL’s objection to Dangote Refinery’s suit on import licence
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the objection raised by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against the competence of a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (Dangote Refinery).
Dangote is seeking to void the licences issued by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to some oil marketing companies to import refined petroleum products.
In its objection, the NNPCL challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit and urged the court to strike out its name from the suit on the grounds that it was not properly identified by the plaintiff.
It argued that the name, “Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,” being its registered name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), is not the one and the same entity the second defendant sued but the “Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation”.
Ruling yesterday, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that NNPCL’s objection was incompetent as it was filed in violation of Order 29 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules (FHCCPR), 2019.
Justice Ekwo also held that the NNPCL ought to have filed a defence in the form of a counter-affidavit to the plaintiff’s suit before raising an objection.
The judge averred that under the procedure in lieu of demurrer, any party is entitled to raise, by his pleading, any point of law, and that any point so raised may be disposed of by the trial court at trial or after the trial.
He explained that where a defendant seeks to challenge the jurisdiction of the court, it is the provision of Order 29 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules (FHCCPR), 2019, that would be applicable.Justice Ekwo added that the NNPCL failed to comply with the provision.
The judge held that the NNPCL, having not complied with the provisions of the FHCCPR 2019 could not be said to have filed a competent preliminary objection.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court has declined to issue orders stopping the launch and construction of the planned KSh 2 trillion Dangote Oil Refinery in Lamu County.
In a ruling made public on Monday, 28 September 2026, the court instead directed both parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed land in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area until the matter is heard on 14 October 2026.
The case was brought by 133 residents of Chandavai. They claim the land is their ancestral heritage, where their families have lived and farmed for generations. The residents say they do not oppose development but want their land rights recognised before the project proceeds.
The court ordered the government and other respondents to file their responses within 14 days. The application is scheduled for hearing on 14 October 2026.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery is expected to go ahead as planned on Wednesday, 30 September 2026. While the court has not halted the ceremony at this stage, the status quo order means activities on the disputed site may be restricted pending the October hearing.
Business
Oil Rises As US Rejects Iran Proposal
Iran said it is waiting for a definitive US response to its seven-day proposal to reopen the strait and other demands, adding that it will not ease its conditions after Trump rejected Tehran’s latest plan.
Brent crude climbed above $106 per barrel on Monday, recovering losses from the previous session after President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns that the restoration of oil flows through the critical waterway could face further delays.
Trump also said Tehran had overplayed its hand and expects negotiations to resume this week.
Meanwhile, Iran said it is waiting for a definitive US response to its seven-day proposal to reopen the strait and other demands, adding that it will not ease its conditions after Trump rejected Tehran’s latest plan.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, tensions remain high as Saudi Arabia intercepted Houthi drones heading toward Riyadh, along with a missile targeting Khamis Mushait in the south.
Alerts were also issued in Abha and Jazan, where Aramco operates energy facilities.
In the US, Trump is considering a ban on diesel exports as part of efforts to address elevated fuel prices.
Business
NGX Debuts Invest WhatsApp Channel
The channel provides investors with an additional, convenient way to participate in public offers.
Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has expanded access to its NGX Invest platform with the launch of a WhatsApp subscription channel.
The channel provides investors with an additional, convenient way to participate in public offers.
Investors can begin the subscription process by sending “Invest” to NGX Invest on WhatsApp at +234 812 731 9521.
They can then follow the prompts to view eligible offers and complete the required subscription steps without downloading a separate application.
As part of the process, investors will select a stockbroker through whom their application will be processed, ensuring that brokers remain an integral part of the investment journey.
(VANGUARD)
UPDATE: Malindi Court Declines to Halt Dangote Refinery Launch in Lamu
JUST IN: Tinubu Departs Paris for Nigeria After Extended Vacation
National Assembly Plans to Translate Laws into Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
Business2 days agoSEC Highlights Focus of National Capital Market Conference 2026
-
Business2 days agoNGX Debuts Invest WhatsApp Channel
-
Sports2 days agoFlamingos win WAFU B U-17 women’s tournament
-
Business2 days agoNaira To Dollar, Pound, Euro …Today, September 28
-
News2 days agoNigeria is 66, Thursday October 1
-
Entertainment2 days agoMadonna and Taylor Swift win big at the MTV VMAs
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: Fire Engulfs Lagos Customs Command Office
-
Business2 days agoGhana Moves to Cut Domestic Airfares as Ticket Prices Stay High