Feb 12 • 00:00 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Oil firm asks court to void ex parte administration orders

Eroton Exploration and Production Limited is seeking to overturn interim court orders that placed it under administration, presenting multiple legal challenges in Lagos.

In a newly commenced legal battle at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Eroton Exploration and Production Limited is contesting the interim ex parte orders that have placed the company under administration. The company's counsel, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, has filed several applications aimed at halting the enforcement of orders issued on January 20 and 29, 2026, which Eroton argues may have been improperly granted. The requests include a Motion on Notice to set aside the interim orders, a Notice of Preliminary Objection questioning the court's jurisdiction, and motions for a stay of execution and injunctive reliefs to maintain the company's operational status during the litigation process.

The implications of this case are significant for Eroton, as the administration process could impact its day-to-day operations and overall management. If the court sides with Eroton, it could reverse the administrative control and allow the company to function independently while the legal proceedings are ongoing. Furthermore, the outcome might set a precedent for how administrative orders are treated in similar corporate disputes, clarifying the jurisdictional boundaries of the court in administering such cases in the Nigerian legal system.

As the court hearings progress, stakeholders within the oil industry will be closely monitoring the situation, particularly given the vital role that exploration and production companies like Eroton play in Nigeria's economy. The case underscores the complex interplay between corporate governance and legal frameworks in a sector that is highly regulated and politically sensitive, particularly with the fluctuating dynamics of oil prices and regulatory policies affecting the industry.

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