The Presidency has defended its decision to impose a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel, insisting that the move will strengthen Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity and stimulate industrial growth.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare, the Tinubu administration described the policy as “a bridge, not a burden,” explaining that it aims to encourage local refining, conserve foreign exchange, and create employment opportunities.
“For years, the nation has depended heavily on imported fuel despite being a leading crude oil producer, draining foreign exchange and exporting jobs that should have been created at home,” Dare said. “This new policy is designed to reverse that trend by encouraging local refining, boosting domestic capacity, and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil wealth translates directly into national prosperity.”
The Presidency noted that with domestic refineries such as the Dangote Refinery and other modular plants increasing output, fuel prices are expected to stabilise over time, while investment and job opportunities will expand across the energy value chain.
“By making imported fuel less competitive, government is tilting the market in favour of local refineries such as Dangote and other modular plants, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining and resilient energy sector,” Dare added.
He stressed that the tariff should not be viewed as a punishment but as a strategic measure to move Nigeria from dependence on fuel imports to energy self-sufficiency.
The Tinubu administration had, earlier in October, approved a 15 percent ad valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and diesel. The policy, conveyed in a memo dated October 21, 2025, and signed by Damilotun Aderemi, Private Secretary to the President, introduced a “market-responsive import tariff framework” to “reinforce national energy security” and “protect local refiners.”
However, industry stakeholders have expressed concern that the new tariff could push petrol prices above ₦1,000 per litre and give an unfair advantage to the Dangote Refinery over independent fuel importers.
Despite the criticism, the Presidency maintained that the policy aligns with its broader economic reform agenda aimed at revitalising local industries and strengthening the downstream petroleum sector.
The import duty is expected to take effect after a 30-day transition period ending on November 21, 2025.
