The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended an interim order restraining the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority from interfering with the operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The order followed a dispute between the regulator and the refinery over propane quality, truck-out operations and the movement of propane consignments.
NMDPRA had directed the suspension of propane loading and truck-out activities at the refinery, citing concerns raised during its investigation.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, the regulator asked the court to discharge the August 31 interim order, arguing that it was obtained through alleged misrepresentation and suppression of material facts.
NMDPRA’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, also challenged the jurisdiction of Justice Akintayo Aluko to grant the earlier order.
The regulator said its investigation followed laboratory tests on LPG samples from three plants which allegedly showed propane content above the required level.
NMDPRA also alleged discrepancies in the movement of propane trucks linked to an off-taker of Dangote Refinery.
It claimed that 25 trucks loaded by Sublime Oil and Gas Limited on August 20 and 22 were meant for Navgas/Agasco, but that Navgas confirmed receiving only six.
The regulator said the remaining 19 trucks were unaccounted for.
It further alleged that another off-taker loaded 52 trucks between May and August 2026 for delivery to Navgas, but that none of the consignments was received.
NMDPRA said the alleged diversion raised safety concerns because propane could have been supplied to unlicensed facilities for LPG blending.
The regulator also raised concerns about the pressure level of propane produced by Dangote and other gas-processing facilities, arguing that it could create risks at facilities not designed to handle higher-pressure products.
Dangote Group rejected the allegations.
Its spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said NMDPRA officials at the refinery had inspected and certified the propane before it was collected by an independent off-taker.
Chiejina questioned Dangote’s responsibility for the product after it had been purchased and taken away by another company.
He also accused NMDPRA of abusing its regulatory powers, a claim the regulator disputes.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Dangote Refinery’s counsel, Wale Akoni, SAN, requested time to respond to NMDPRA’s counter-affidavit, saying he had received the document in court.
Justice Aluko granted the request but said he could not fix another hearing date because his tenure as vacation judge would end on Friday.
The judge extended the August 31 order until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice or further directions from the court.
He also directed that the case file be returned to the registry for assignment to the regular court.
The court has not determined the substantive allegations against either party. The dispute over propane quality, truck movements and the extent of NMDPRA’s regulatory powers will therefore continue before the regular court.