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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government has come under attack for deferring the 15% import duty on petrol to the first quarter of 2026.
In a memo dated November 7, signed by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, the government said the decision “is to provide a prudent window for monitoring the performance of local refining output in Q1 2026 and aligning tariff implementation with verified production data and consumer pricing trends.”
However, National Spokesperson, Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NCCSO), Mustapha Ahmed, in a statement yesterday, complained that such a decision is a victory for foreign fuel importers and their local collaborators, whose agenda is to keep Nigeria dependent on imported products and f frustrate the growth of local refineries.
Ahmed said: “The NCCSO expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s decision to defer the commencement of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Diesel to the first quarter of 2026, as contained in the memo approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on 7 November 2025.
“While the decision is presented as an administrative adjustment for ‘technical alignment,’ it is in fact a strategic victory for foreign fuel importers and their local collaborators, whose agenda is to keep Nigeria dependent on imported products and frustrate the growth of local refineries such as Dangote Refinery and other modular plants ready for operation.”
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He added that the deferment to Q1 2026 was wrong and should be totally discouraged, with no further extensions.
He told the government to resist pressures from international traders and uphold its commitment to energy independence.
“All relevant agencies should monitor imports to prevent market distortion during the deferment period.
“The deferment is a temporary win for importers but a setback for Nigeria’s refining future. NCCSO urges President Tinubu to remain resolute and protect Nigeria’s local industries from external manipulation,” he concluded.
