The Federal High Court in Abuja has advised Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited to take seriously its $1.4 million settlement terms over an alleged debt of $1,257,592.83 owed to Zutari Consulting Nigeria Limited. This legal dispute is connected to a subcontract agreement involving the construction of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant project located in Lekki, Lagos.
Presiding over the case on Monday, Justice Mohammed Umar gave the advice after listening to both parties during the resumed hearing. The judge noted that time is being wasted while the value of the money in question continues to depreciate. He said the best step would be to reach a resolution as soon as possible.
“The earlier you settle with them, the better,” Justice Umar told Dantata & Sawoe’s legal counsel. “The Court always encourages settlement. If you can settle out of court, there is no need for us to be here.”
The case has dragged on for more than two years, as the two companies have been in talks to resolve the matter outside of court. According to court records, an arbitration panel in London delivered an award on April 7, 2021, in favour of Zutari Consulting. The arbitration ruling held that Dantata & Sawoe was liable for the debt owed to Zutari. Since then, several attempts at resolution have failed, and the matter has gone back and forth between the two legal teams.
In a hearing reported last year, the Federal High Court had approved a motion allowing the publication of a winding-up petition against Dantata & Sawoe, filed by Zutari in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/PET/3/2023. This step was taken after delays in the settlement process, despite the arbitration ruling in favour of the engineering consulting firm.
Zutari Consulting Nigeria Ltd, which is known for its work in engineering design, project supervision, and consulting services, filed the petition after alleging that Dantata & Sawoe refused to honour the arbitration decision. Dantata & Sawoe is one of Nigeria’s well-known general construction companies, with over 40 years of experience in civil and building works.
At the recent court session, Zutari’s lawyer, Mr. Chris Ekemezie, informed the judge that Dantata & Sawoe’s legal team had once again suggested selling a property to raise funds for the payment. But he pointed out that this same promise had been repeated for over two years without any real progress.
“The respondent’s counsel told me privately that they would advise their client to look for a property to sell to realise the money,” Ekemezie told the court. “But this same proposal has been on the table for two and a half years, and nothing has happened.”
Counsel for Dantata & Sawoe, Mr. I.I. Okim, however, expressed embarrassment over the disclosure of their private discussion in open court. He insisted that his conversation with Mr. Ekemezie was meant to be confidential.
Justice Umar, however, stressed that the issue is not about private talks but about commitment and taking action on a judgment debt. He stated that he was not part of the earlier processes and urged the parties to use the opportunity of his current position on the bench to find a lasting solution.
“If you are serious about it, we will take a date and you can go and try to see that these people are paid,” the judge added.
The court then adjourned the case to 22nd September 2025 for a report of settlement or for further hearing, depending on how talks progress.
Meanwhile, Nairametrics also reported that an appeal in the matter is still pending before the Court of Appeal, even as the Federal High Court continues to exercise jurisdiction over the proceedings.
The outcome of the case will likely depend on both the appeal and the willingness of Dantata & Sawoe to meet the agreed settlement conditions. Legal observers believe that dragging the matter further may affect the credibility of the construction firm, especially in a business climate where legal compliance and financial reputation are key.
