Dangote Refinery has officially withdrawn its lawsuit seeking to compel Nigerian authorities to restrict fuel imports into the country. The company had challenged import licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and several private importers, arguing that such permits violated existing laws.

Dangote maintained that fuel imports were legally permissible only to cover domestic production shortfalls—a situation it said no longer applied following the commencement of petrol production at its massive refinery. The company had also sought $66 million in damages.

Earlier in March, the Federal High Court rejected attempts by the NNPC and three oil marketers to dismiss the case, paving the way for its continuation. However, Dangote has now withdrawn the lawsuit without stating any reason.

The case remains scheduled for hearing on 29 September, when the defendants may either pursue costs or waive them, allowing the matter to be formally struck out.