Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed March 18 to rule on the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s preliminary objection in a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE over an oil import license dispute.

The judge set the date after hearing arguments from NNPCL’s counsel, Ademola Abimbola, SAN, and Dangote Refinery’s lawyer, John Ibrahim, SAN, who presented their submissions and adopted their legal processes.

During the hearing, Abimbola informed the court that their objection, filed on November 15, 2024, sought to strike out the case for lack of jurisdiction or, alternatively, to remove NNPCL as a party. He supported his position with affidavits and a written address, arguing that the case should not proceed against his client.

Ibrahim, opposing the objection, filed a counter-affidavit dated January 31 along with a written address, urging the court to dismiss NNPCL’s application, which he described as unnecessary.

After considering both sides, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to March 18 for ruling.