ABUJA: The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has issued import licences for 720,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to six marketers, sparking fresh debate over Nigeria’s energy security and local refining capacity.
The licensed importers include NIPCO, AA Rano, Matrix, Shafa, Pinnacle and Bono.
According to industry estimates, the allocation covers:
- NIPCO – 120,000MT
- AA Rano – 150,000MT
- Matrix – 150,000MT
- Shafa – 120,000MT
- Pinnacle – 120,000MT
- Bono – 60,000MT
The total import volume stands at 720,000MT
The development comes amid earlier claims by the regulator that Nigeria had achieved sufficient local refining capacity, largely driven by output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which was said to supply over 90 per cent of national petrol demand.
However, a senior official of the regulator insisted there was no ban on fuel importation, stressing that a dual supply system—combining local refining and imports—remains necessary to ensure energy security.
According to the official, the priority is to prevent supply shortages rather than rely on a single source of fuel production.
The approvals have reopened debate over Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on imported fuel despite major investments in domestic refining.
Earlier in March, former Chief Executive of the agency, Saidu Mohammed, had stated that Nigeria had effectively exited petrol importation, warning against reversing gains made in local refining development.
He had argued that sustaining domestic refining capacity was essential to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening energy sovereignty.
President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has previously criticised continued issuance of import licences, arguing that such actions could undermine local production incentives.
Industry sources also suggest that tensions between importers and domestic refiners could affect future production and distribution strategies, including possible export decisions by local refineries if import policies persist.
Officials of the petroleum regulator maintain that import licences are part of a broader strategy to stabilise supply and avoid shortages, especially during periods of high demand or logistical disruption.
They argue that combining imported and locally refined fuel is currently the most reliable way to maintain nationwide availability.
The government insists that energy security remains the overriding objective, even as Nigeria continues to expand domestic refining capacity
