The suit, before the Federal High Court in Lagos, has intensified the growing legal and commercial dispute surrounding Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, fuel import regime and crude supply obligations.

NNPC argued that Dangote refinery’s lawsuit against fuel import licences could create a monopoly, threaten supply security and destabilise Nigeria’s fuel market.

NNPC said granting Dangote's request would expose Africa's largest oil producer to supply disruptions, price instability and risks to national energy security.