Nestoil Limited: Response to The Guardian's Article

NESTOIL LIMITED: RESPONSE TO THE ONLINE EDITORIAL IN THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER DATED NOVEMBER 14, 2025

The Receiver/Manager of NESTOIL LIMITED and NECONDE ENERGY LIMITED has noticed the online editorial published in the Guardian Nigeria on November 14, 2025. The article, titled “Enforcement of expired ex parte orders against Nestoil, Neconde unlawful”, was not signed by any author.

The editorial quoted supposed “opinions” from unnamed “legal experts” about the Ex-parte Orders of October 22, 2025. These orders were obtained from the Federal High Court in Suit No.: FHC/L/CS/2127/2025. It was claimed that these orders have expired based on Order 26 Rule 10 (1) and (3) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

The editorial also claimed that the Receiver/Manager took over the companies’ head office in Victoria Island and “attempted to disrupt crude oil production and export activities in OML 42.” This claim is false and without basis. It could also lead to legal action for false and harmful publication.

The authors of the editorial might want to seek legal advice from their “legal experts” about this issue.

Regardless, I was appointed Receiver/Manager of the companies based on the Deeds of Appointment dated August 19, 2025. This appointment was announced on pages 45-46 and 32-33 of the Punch and Guardian Newspapers on October 29, 2025.

It is important to mention that the Order of the Federal High Court, which the editorial refers to, is still under the Court’s direction. After a petition from some defendants against the presiding Judge, the court proceedings were paused. This was done to comply with the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court's directive pending the petition's outcome. Thus, the Orders from October 22, 2025, are still valid.

Therefore, the public should not rely on legal advice from an anonymous online editorial, no matter which newspaper it comes from.

At the same time, the public is reminded that any dealings with anyone claiming to act on behalf of NESTOIL LIMITED and/or NECONDE ENERGY LIMITED, especially regarding projects, contracts, and commitments in the oil, gas, power, and infrastructure sectors, must have the knowledge and approval of the appointed Receiver/Manager. Otherwise, such dealings will be ILLEGAL and may lead to legal consequences. PLEASE BE ADVISED.

For any questions or requests for more information, please contact the Receiver/Manager at [email protected].

Signed
ABUBAKAR SULU-GAMBARI, SAN, MCIArb
CIROMA OF ILORIN
RECEIVER/MANAGER.