The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended an interim order restraining the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) from interfering with operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Justice Akintayo Aluko extended the order on Wednesday, after NMDPRA and Dangote clashed over the regulator’s directive suspending propane loading and truck-out operations at the refinery.
NMDPRA, through its counsel, Matthew Burkaa, urged the court to discharge the order, arguing that it was obtained through alleged misrepresentation and suppression of material facts.
The regulator said its action followed investigations into the alleged diversion of propane-laden trucks to unauthorised customers and alleged illegal blending of propane at some LPG plants.
It also alleges discrepancies in truck-out records, including 19 propane trucks unaccounted for after being loaded by an off-taker for delivery to Navgas.
NMDPRA said laboratory tests also showed propane content above the permitted level in samples from three LPG plants.
But Dangote Group spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, rejected the allegations and accused NMDPRA of abusing its powers.
He said NMDPRA officials had inspected and certified the refinery’s propane before independent off-takers transported the product.
Counsel to Dangote Refinery, Wale Akoni, SAN, requested an adjournment to respond to NMDPRA’s counter-affidavit, which he said was served in court on Wednesday.
Justice Aluko said he could not fix a fresh date because his tenure as vacation judge ends on Friday.
The judge therefore extended the interim order until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice or further directive by the court.
He directed that the case file be returned to the registry for assignment to the regular court
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