Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has denied reports of a fresh lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In a statement released by his company, Dangote Group, the billionaire businessman dismissed claims circulating in the media that suggested his company had initiated legal action against the state-owned oil corporation.
The rumors of a lawsuit reportedly stem from disagreements surrounding operations and agreements related to the Dangote Refinery, which is poised to be one of the largest single-train refineries in the world. However, Dangote Group clarified that there is no ongoing legal battle with NNPC and urged the public to disregard the false reports.
In the official statement, Dangote Group emphasized that the company maintains a strong relationship with NNPC and is committed to its collaboration with the corporation for the advancement of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The statement further noted that the alleged lawsuit is a fabrication and that such claims are detrimental to the progress both entities are making in the industry.
“We categorically deny any involvement in a fresh lawsuit against NNPC,” the statement read. “Our focus remains on completing the refinery project, which will significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”
Dangote’s refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, is expected to have a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. It is a critical part of Nigeria’s strategy to reduce petroleum imports and become self-sufficient in fuel production. The project has received backing from the NNPC, and both parties have worked closely on the development and future operational plans of the refinery.
The NNPC, for its part, has not commented on the false lawsuit rumors but is believed to continue its partnership with Dangote in ensuring that the refinery project remains on track.
The denial of any lawsuit between Dangote and NNPC underscores the importance of their collaboration in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Both entities remain focused on completing the ambitious Dangote Refinery project, which is expected to transform the country’s energy landscape. As Dangote Group urges the public to dismiss the lawsuit claims, the attention shifts back to the successful completion and operation of the refinery.
