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Dangote refinery, FCCPC disagree as NNPCL insists on fuel import
But Dangote Refinery opposed the FCCPC’s application to join the suit, describing the commission as a meddlesome interloper that has no business in a case revolving around the Petroleum Industry Act, an Act of the National Assembly.
The FCCPC said it needed to be allowed to join the suit as a defendant in order to oppose Dangote Refinery’s suit.
The commission argued that the aim of Dangote Refinery to monopolise the petroleum industry was contrary to FCCPC’s mandate to ensure a free market.
The commission’s lawyer, Olanrewaju Oshinaike, appeared before Justice Inyang Ekwo on Wednesday to push for its joinder in the suit.
In the motion he filed before the court, Oshinaike argued that the FCCPC needed to be joined in the suit because any judgment entered by the court would affect the commission’s mandate.
The lawyer noted that the main thrust of Dangote Refinery’s suit borders on “anti-competition and monopoly in the petroleum industry.”
The commission noted that Nigeria operates a free-market economy that allows individuals and entities to participate in various sectors without hindrance.
FCCPC also said its Act, which established the commission, obligates it to eliminate anti-competitive agreements and practices that may restrict other participants from engaging in the petroleum product distribution value chain.
Oshinaike stressed that one of the FCCPC’s functions is to eliminate anti-competitive agreements, and misleading, unfair, deceptive, or unconscionable marketing, trading, and business practices.
“There are grounds from the plaintiff’s case for believing that the plaintiff (Dangote Refinery) is attempting to create a monopoly situation in relation to the production and distribution of petroleum products in Nigeria through the machinery of the court.
“The extant spirit and provisions of the FCCPC Act do not permit monopoly behemoth activities in product manufacturing and distribution, including oil and gas,” the lawyer said.
The commission noted if allowed to join as a party, it would pray for the outright dismissal of the suit in its entirety.
But Dangote Refinery opposed the FCCPC’s application to join the suit.
The $20bn Lekki-based plant described the commission as a meddlesome interloper that has no business in a case revolving around PIA.
Dangote Refinery, in its suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, is challenging the issuance of licence for the importation of refined petroleum products to the NNPC and oil marketers by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Apart from the NNPCL and the NMDPRA, others listed as defendants in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited; A.A. Rano Limited; T. Time Petroleum Limited; 2015 Petroleum Limited; and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.
Dangote Refinery, through its counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), is praying the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to NNPCL and the five other companies for importing refined petroleum products.
The plaintiff also sought a declaration that NMDPRA violated Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act by issuing licences to import petroleum products, arguing that such licences should only be issued in cases of a petroleum product shortfall.
The company further sought N100bn in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the other companies, among other reliefs.
In response to the suit, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited filed counter-affidavits, urging the court to dismiss the suit.
They argued that Dangote Refinery was not entitled to the reliefs sought and that its current production did not meet the national daily petroleum product sufficiency required.
They argued that granting the request of the refinery would amount to monopolisation, stating that the NMDPRA was mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions or monopolies in the oil sector.
They also argued that monopolising the sector would harm the economy, maintaining that the import licences issued to them were lawful and in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.
Meanwhile, the NNPCL, in its preliminary objection, urged the court to strike out Dngote Refinery’s suit as the entity sued was non-existent.
At Wednesday’s hearing, NNPCL’s lawyer, Abimbola Ademola (SAN), while arguing the preliminary objection, submitted: “We are seeking an order of this court striking out this suit for lack of jurisdiction or in another alternative strike out the 2nd defendant suit.”
However, Dangote Refinery’s legal team opposed the preliminary objection, asking the court to dismiss it.
After hearing both parties, Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned till March 18, 2025 for ruling.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the demise of its Enugu State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Franklin O Agbakoba.
This is contained in a statement issued by FRSC Deputy Corps Commander in-charge of Enugu State Operations, DCC Kyrian C Okolo, on Friday in Enugu.
“FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received the sad news of the demise of CC Franklin Agbakoba on Thursday, July 30,2026.
“The late Sector Commander died at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu where he was receiving treatment.
“His corpse have been deposited at the Eastern Medical Center, Enugu,” he said.
Until his death,CC Franklin Agbakoba made inter-agency collaboration and partnership his legacy and promoted safer roads within Enugu State.
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.
He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners
The Enugu State Government says it has intensified fight against quackery across all health professions, particularly in the laboratory practice within the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, revealed this on Friday while receiving the National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.
Ugwu decried the growing trend of unprofessional practices and establishments where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, patient treatment areas, provision stores, and other unauthorised activities.
According to him, such practices are unacceptable and dangerous to public health.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate quackery especially in laboratory practices and operations through sustained monitoring, regulation and enforcement.
The commissioner also commended the association for its dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and public health advocacy.
He assured the team of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality, and people-centred healthcare services across the state.
Ugwu stressed the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in transforming the health sector, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and improved service delivery.
He urged the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism and ethical standards, emphasising that stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remained essential in building a healthier Enugu State.
Earlier, Ifeanyi, who made the visit with some members of his national executive and Enugu State Chapter of AMLSN, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming AMLSN Annual Public Health Lecture.
He solicited the state government’s goodwill, support and participation in the event, which would be held in Enugu.
“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.
He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
…Inaugurates Amufie Town Union executives
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government has urged Town Union President Generals (PGs) across the state to adopt inclusive leadership that promotes peace, unity and sustainable development in their communities.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Chief Charles Egumgbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly elected 14-member executives of the Amufie Town Union in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The executive committee, led by the President-General, Engr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ogili, was presented with certificates of return at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Egumgbe urged the new leadership to ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with members, stressing that women and youths must be carried along in decision-making.
He advised the executives against operating exclusive caucuses, noting that town union affairs should be conducted openly through regular meetings where decisions are collectively taken.
“You must carry everybody along. Let your policies be all-inclusive and ensure that members are well informed about your activities. Matters should be tabled before the executive and decisions reached collectively,” he said.
The commissioner warned against abuse of office, particularly in matters relating to community land, stressing that anyone found working against the interest of the community could be removed under the state’s Town Union law.
“I don’t know whether you will receive remuneration because this is service to humanity. But whatever you do, don’t sell community land illegally. Land has a way of fighting for itself,” he cautioned.
Responding, the new inaugurated President-General, Ogili, pledged to lead with transparency and work closely with his executive to promote peace, unity and development in Amufie.
He said the administration would prioritise security by strengthening the neighbourhood watch and collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.
Ogili also promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the traditional ruler of the community.
“The Igwe is our father. We have different constitutional roles, and there will be no conflict between us. We shall work harmoniously for the peace and progress of Amufie,” he said.
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