A Federal High Court in Lagos has stopped the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) from taking steps to shut down the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The court issued the order on Monday following a legal challenge involving the refinery and the petroleum regulator.
The order prevents NMDPRA from closing or taking action that could stop the refinery from operating while the case is being considered.
The development comes amid a growing dispute between the Dangote refinery and some petroleum marketers over fuel imports, pricing and the regulation of petroleum products.
The court’s decision means the refinery can continue its operations while the legal dispute is resolved.
The case is being closely watched because of the refinery’s role in Nigeria’s fuel supply and the wider debate over fuel imports and local refining.