The association of oil marketers has strongly opposed the lawsuit filed by Dangote Refinery seeking to stop other companies from importing fuel into Nigeria.
In a statement issued Sunday, the marketers said they would not fold their arms and watch their investments go into extinction through a court ruling.
Dangote had approached the court, arguing that the import licenses granted to other marketers violate the local content policy and undermine his $20 billion refinery.
But the marketers countered that the law allows them to operate, and that a monopoly would hurt competition and consumers.
They accused Dangote of trying to control the market and warned that the suit could lead to fuel shortages if imports are halted.
The case has reignited the debate about Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined products despite having the continent’s largest refinery.
Many Nigerians are watching closely, as the outcome could affect pump prices and availability.
