Abuja, July 9, 2025
The Federal High Court in Abuja has advised construction firm Dantata & Sawoe to urgently settle a $1.4 million debt owed to Zutari Consulting Nigeria Ltd, tied to subcontract work on the Dangote Fertilizer Plant in Lekki.
During Monday’s session, Justice Mohammed Umar reminded the company that the value of the debt was eroding daily and encouraged a swift out-of-court settlement. He stated: “The earlier you settle with them, the better.”
The debt stems from a London arbitration award dated April 7, 2021, which found Dantata & Sawoe liable for unpaid services totalling about $1.26 million . Despite previous extensions and a possible property sale negotiation, little progress has been made toward payment .
Justice Umar emphasised the court’s preference for settlement over escalation, noting the ongoing depreciation of the debt. The case has been adjourned to September 22, 2025, for a settlement report or further hearing . An appeal by Dantata & Sawoe is currently pending at the Court of Appeal .
