The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has dismissed a $19.6m suit filed by Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the ruling was delivered on Friday, May 22, 2026, by Justice Hamza Mu’azu, who held that the scope of a written contract cannot be expanded through oral agreements or conduct.
Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd had asked the court to compel NNPCL to pay $19,600,000 as professional fees.
The company claimed that the scope of its Direct Sale, Direct Purchase contract with NNPCL had been orally expanded and that it was entitled to payment for services allegedly rendered under the revised terms.
The firm was represented by Patrick Peter.
NNPCL, represented by Ituah Imhanze of KENNA LP, opposed the claim, arguing that parties are bound by the clear terms of their written agreement.
The company maintained that there was no written amendment expanding the scope of the contract and that the claim had no legal basis.
Delivering judgment, Justice Mu’azu agreed with NNPCL’s argument and held that the contract was clear and unambiguous.
The judge ruled that Alternate Dimensions failed to produce evidence showing that the contract scope was validly expanded.
The court also found that NNPCL complied with the terms of the agreement and did not breach the contract.
Justice Mu’azu dismissed the suit for lacking merit and reaffirmed that any amendment to a written contract must be express, clear and properly documented.
The ruling relieved NNPCL of the $19.6m claim and potential related liabilities.