A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit by Eurafric Energy Limited challenging the revocation of its operatorship of the Dawes Island Marginal Field. Justice Akintayo Aluko struck out the case, marked FHC/L/CS/1110/2021, on June 9, 2026, after the plaintiff applied to discontinue the matter.
Background of the Case
Eurafric Energy had contested the Federal Government's decision regarding its interest in the oil field. The company's operatorship licence, originally linked to the asset, expired in June 2003. Although the licence was referenced in a 2019 award, the field had not yet entered commercial production.
Court Proceedings
At the resumed hearing, counsel for the plaintiff, Jerry Omoregie, presented a motion dated May 29, 2026, and filed on June 3, 2026, seeking leave to discontinue the suit. Counsel for the 1st and 2nd defendants, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, did not oppose the application but requested costs. Similarly, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) did not object but urged dismissal. Lawyers for a party seeking to join the case also did not object.
Ruling and Orders
Justice Aluko ruled that dismissal, rather than striking out, was the appropriate order. He stated, "That the appropriate order to make is that of dismissal; the suit is accordingly dismissed." However, the court declined to award costs, directing all parties to bear their own legal expenses.
Related Appeals
This dispute is one of several legal matters connected to the Dawes Island Marginal Field. Separate appeals involving similar issues with Eurafric Energy are pending before the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. Government filings from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NUPRC indicate that these appeals address jurisdiction, licence status, and participation in subsequent asset processes. The appellate outcomes may further clarify legal questions around the field and the regulatory framework for marginal oil assets in Nigeria.
Eurafric Energy stated it is unclear whether Petrolan 54 has filed its brief, but commended the government's response to the matter.
