The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is weighing its next move to prevent it from losing regulatory authority over midstream and downstream companies located in free trade zones.
Last week, a Federal High Court in Lagos issued an interim injunction restraining the NMDPRA from shutting down or interfering with the operations of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos.
Justice Akintayo Aluko made the order while ruling on a motion ex parte marked FHC/L/CS/1174/26, filed and argued by counsel to Dangote Petroleum Refinery Nigeria Limited, led by Olawale Akoni and Abimbola Akeredolu.
The refinery had approached the court following a letter dated August 24, 2026, in which the NMDPRA allegedly directed the suspension of the loading and truck-out of petroleum products from the refinery.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko said he had carefully considered the application, the affidavit evidence, exhibits and submissions of counsel, including the NMDPRA’s letter. The judge noted that the refinery’s case was that the NMDPRA lacked regulatory or oversight powers over operations within free zones, including the Dangote Industrial Free Zone.
