Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has dismissed a $19.6 million lawsuit filed by Alternate Dimensions Ventures Ltd against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, ruling that the scope of a written contract cannot be expanded through oral agreements or conduct. Justice Hamza Mu’azu delivered the landmark judgment on May 22, 2026, holding that Alternate Dimensions failed to provide any evidence that its Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP e-pro) contract with NNPC had been validly expanded. The company had sought $19,600,000 in professional fees, claiming that the original scope of its agreement with NNPC was verbally extended to cover additional services. However, the court found that the contract was clear and unambiguous, and that NNPC had fully complied with its terms, committing no breach.
During the proceedings, Alternate Dimensions, represented by its counsel Patrick Peter, argued that the company was entitled to the revised sum for services rendered under the alleged new terms. NNPC, through its lawyer Ituah Imhanze of KENNA LP, strongly opposed the claim, contending that the parties were bound exclusively by the written agreement. Imhanze argued that without any written amendment, the claim was legally unsound, and the court agreed. Justice Mu’azu stated that no evidence was adduced during the trial to support the alleged scope expansion. The judge noted that the claimant failed to produce credible evidence of any agreed modification to the contract, and that any amendment to a written agreement must be express, unequivocal, and documented, not implied or verbal.
Delivering judgment, Justice Mu’azu upheld NNPC’s defense, reinforcing the legal principle that the sanctity of a written contract cannot be undermined by oral assertions. The court found that NNPC complied with the terms of the agreement and did not breach the contract. The ruling spares NNPC from the $19.6 million claim and also a potential floodgate of similar liabilities. The judge dismissed the suit as lacking merit. The ruling relieves NNPC of the claim and any associated liabilities, reaffirming that any amendment to a written contract must be express, clear and properly documented.
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