The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has dismissed a $19.6 million suit filed by Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over alleged professional fees arising from a Direct Sale, Direct Purchase contract.
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Delivering judgment on Friday, May 22, 2026, Justice Hamza Mu’azu held that the claimant failed to prove that the scope of the written contract between the parties was validly expanded by oral agreement or by conduct.
Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd had sued NNPCL, seeking the sum of $19,600,000 as professional fees. The company, through its counsel, Patrick Peter, argued that although the parties had a written agreement, the scope of the contract was later expanded orally, thereby entitling it to the revised claim.
NNPCL, however, opposed the suit through its counsel, Ituah Imhanze of KENNA LP, insisting that the parties were bound by the clear terms of their written agreement. The company argued that there was no written amendment or valid evidence showing that the contract had been expanded to support the claimant’s demand.
Justice Mu’azu agreed with NNPCL’s position, holding that the contract was clear and unambiguous. The court ruled that parties who voluntarily reduce their agreement into writing are bound by the terms of that written contract and cannot rely on oral claims to alter, enlarge or vary its scope.
The court further held that no credible evidence was placed before it to establish the alleged oral expansion of the contract. It found that NNPCL complied with its contractual obligations and did not breach the agreement.
According to the court, any amendment to a written contract must be clear, express and properly documented, not inferred from oral assertions or alleged conduct unsupported by evidence.
Justice Mu’azu therefore dismissed the suit for lacking merit.
The ruling reinforces the doctrine of sanctity of contract and affirms that courts will not rewrite agreements for parties or impose obligations not contained in their written contract.
The decision also shields NNPCL from the $19.6 million claim and potential liabilities that could have arisen from similar attempts to expand written contractual obligations through alleged oral arrangements.
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