The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NCCSO) has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to defer the 15% import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Diesel until the first quarter of 2026, describing it as a deliberate move that “strangulates local refineries and empowers foreign importers.”
The coalition’s National Spokesperson, Comrade Mustapha Ahmed, in a statement on Thursday, said the deferment of this levy is a temporary victory for importers but a major setback for Nigeria’s refining future,”
This decision he said will keep Nigeria dependent on imported products and frustrate the growth of local refineries such as Dangote Refinery and other modular plants ready for operation.”
Ahmed stated that while the government presented the policy delay as a matter of “technical alignment,” it was in reality “a strategic victory for foreign fuel importers and their local collaborators, whose agenda is to keep Nigeria perpetually dependent on imported products.”
“The government must resist pressures from international traders and uphold its commitment to energy independence,” he declared.
“The deferment to Q1 2026 is wrong and should be totally discouraged, with no further extensions.”
The NCCSO spokesperson praised the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for originally proposing the 15% ad-valorem levy, noting that “the FIRS, led by Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Ph.D., had earlier proposed the levy to promote local refining, stabilize market prices, and ensure competitive balance — in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Unfortunately,” he added, “this deferment gives importers time to flood the market with imported fuel, thereby undermining local production and discouraging investment.”
Calling for stronger regulatory oversight, Ahmed urged government agencies to “monitor imports to prevent market distortion during the deferment period.”
He concluded with a call to action directed at the President: “NCCSO urges President Tinubu to remain resolute and protect Nigeria’s local industries from external manipulation. The government must not allow international interests to dictate domestic economic policy.”
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