The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to continue granting, issuing, extending and renewing petroleum products import licences for Matrix Energy, AA Rano and AYM Shafa, provided the companies meet the applicable statutory requirements, as reported by Premium Times and ChannelsTv. Justice Inyang Ekwo ruled that the regulator’s refusal to issue or renew the licences was inconsistent with provisions of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act 2021. The court also held that the NMDPRA has a statutory responsibility to promote competition in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors and prevent restrictive business practices.
The judgment comes days after the NMDPRA approved about 830,000 metric tonnes of petrol imports for the fourth quarter of 2026, with Matrix Energy, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, NIPCO, Pinnacle Oil and Bono Energy among the marketers reportedly receiving permits. The regulator said the approvals were intended to prevent supply gaps during the critical end of year period. The development has renewed attention on the balance between imported petrol and Nigeria’s expanding domestic refining capacity, particularly the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has challenged the continued issuance of import licences in separate legal proceedings.
The ruling could have wider implications for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market because it reinforces the legal basis for licensed marketers to participate in fuel importation while domestic refiners expand production. Dangote Refinery has argued in its separate court case that continued import licensing undermines domestic refining and that imports should be permitted where domestic supply is insufficient. NNPC, however, has argued that imports remain an important mechanism for protecting fuel availability and preventing supply disruptions. The latest judgment therefore adds another layer to the competition and regulatory debate, with the outcome potentially affecting how Nigeria balances domestic refining investment, fuel supply security, market competition and petrol prices.
