In a landmark ruling on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja dismissed a $19.6 million lawsuit filed by Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), affirming a key legal principle: a written contract cannot be expanded through oral agreements or conduct.
Alternate Dimensions had sought $19,600,000 in professional fees, claiming that the scope of its Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP e-pro) contract with NNPCL had been orally expanded. Represented by counsel Patrick Peter, the firm argued that it was entitled to the revised sum for services rendered under the alleged new terms.
However, NNPCL, through its lawyer, Ituah Imhanze of KENNA LP, strongly opposed the claim, arguing that parties are bound exclusively by the clear terms of their written agreement. Imhanze contended that, in the absence of any written amendment, the claim was legally unsustainable, and the court agreed.
Delivering judgment, Justice Hamza Mu’azu upheld NNPCL’s defence, stating that the contract was unambiguous and that no evidence adduced during the trial supported the alleged expansion of the contract scope. The court further found that NNPCL had fully complied with all contractual terms and committed no breach.
Dismissing the suit as lacking merit, Justice Mu’azu reinforced the doctrine of the sanctity of contract, holding that any amendment to a written agreement must be express, unequivocal, and documented, not implied or verbal.
The ruling spares NNPCL from the $19.6 million claim and potentially shields it from a floodgate of similar liabilities.
