Court Rules NMDPRA Must Grant Fuel Import Licenses to Three Oil Companies

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to keep granting fuel import licenses to three oil companies: Matrix Energy, AA Rano, and AYM Shafa. The ruling was made by Justice Inyang Ekwo.

Justice Ekwo stated that the NMDPRA was wrong to refuse these licenses, as this went against the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The judge noted that the case arose because the NMDPRA did not issue or renew import licenses for these companies.

The judge emphasized that the NMDPRA’s actions were not in line with the law. He explained that any refusal to comply with the PIA makes the authority’s decisions about import licenses invalid.

As part of the ruling, the judge confirmed that the three companies had proven their case against the NMDPRA. He ordered the authority to continue issuing, renewing, or extending import licenses as long as the companies meet the necessary requirements.

The judge also highlighted that the PIA does not ban the importation of petroleum products into Nigeria. Instead, it requires the NMDPRA to support a competitive market and prevent unfair business practices.