The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has dismissed a $19.6 million lawsuit filed against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), ruling that the claim was without merit.
Judgment Details
Delivering judgment, the court held that the claimant failed to establish sufficient grounds to support its demand for the disputed sum, thereby resolving the matter in favor of NNPC Ltd.
Contractual Dispute Background
The suit arose from a contractual dispute over professional fees allegedly linked to a Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangement. The claimant argued that the scope of the agreement had been expanded through oral understandings. However, the court dismissed this argument, emphasizing that written contract terms remain binding and cannot be altered by verbal agreements or conduct without formal documentation.
In its decision, the court reaffirmed the legal principle of sanctity of contract, stressing that any amendment to a written agreement must be clearly documented and mutually agreed upon by all parties involved.
Outcome
With this ruling, NNPC Ltd is discharged from any liability related to the $19.6 million claim, effectively bringing the legal dispute to a close.
