Court Dismisses $19.6 Million Suit Against NNPC

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has thrown out a $19.6 million lawsuit brought against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd had sued the state oil company, claiming professional fees stemming from a Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP) contract.

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The contract between the parties is clear and unambiguous.

In a ruling delivered on May 22, 2026, Justice Hamza Mu’azu found that the claimant had not established that the contract's scope was expanded beyond the original written agreement. Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd had argued that the contract was modified through oral agreements, entitling them to the substantial sum for services rendered under this revised arrangement.

However, the NNPC, represented by Ituah Imhanze of KENNA LP, successfully argued that parties are bound by the explicit terms of their written contracts unless amendments are formally documented. Imhanze contended that the claimant's case was legally unsustainable without any written variation to the contract.

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no credible evidence was placed before the court to establish any expansion of the contractual scope as alleged by the claimant.

Justice Mu’azu concurred with the defense, reinforcing the legal principle that written contracts cannot be expanded through verbal discussions, assumptions, or conduct not explicitly recorded. The judge stated, "The contract between the parties is clear and unambiguous," adding that no credible evidence was presented to support the alleged expansion of the contractual scope. The court concluded that the NNPC had fulfilled its obligations and committed no breach, dismissing the suit for lacking merit. This decision reinforces the importance of documented agreements in contractual disputes.

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without any written amendment or variation to the contract, the claimant’s case is legally unsustainable.