Court extends order protecting Dangote Refinery amid propane safety dispute
The Federal High Court in Lagos has extended an interim order restraining the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) from disrupting operations at Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as a legal dispute over the quality and distribution of propane continues.
NMDPRA had asked the court to discharge the order, citing alleged diversion of propane-laden trucks and concerns over the use of propane in LPG blending.
The regulator said laboratory tests on samples from three LPG plants showed propane content above the permitted level, while some consignments allegedly could not be accounted for.
The regulator also alleged that officials were denied access to inspect propane-loading operations at the refinery and subsequently directed the suspension of propane loading and truck-out activities pending further investigation and safety measures.
Dangote Group spokesman Anthony Chiejina, however, rejected the allegations, saying NMDPRA officials had inspected and certified the product before it left the refinery.
“We have NMDPRA staff there in the refinery. They inspected and certified the product as okay.”
Chiejina questioned the refinery’s responsibility for products after they had been purchased and transported by independent off-takers, calling the regulator’s action “an absolute abuse of power by NMDPRA.”
Justice Akintayo Aluko extended the August 31 interim order, directing that it remain in force until the hearing and determination of the substantive application or further directives from the court.
The case has now been returned to the registry for assignment to the regular court.
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