The Dangote Refinery has expressed support for the recently approved 15 per cent tax on petrol and diesel imports into Nigeria.
Pinnacle Daily reports that Tinubu had, in a letter dated October 21, 2025, and addressed to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, directed immediate implementation of the tax as part of what the government described as a “market-responsive import tariff framework”.
The President’s approval followed a proposal by the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Zacch Adedeji.
Adedeji had proposed a 15 per cent duty on the cost, insurance, and freight value of imported petrol and diesel to align import costs with domestic market realities.
The measure, which is said to protect domestic refineries, strengthen the naira-for-crude initiative and ensure price stability, has generated mixed reactions from different quarters.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said it would be unpatriotic for anyone to criticise the tax policy.
Chiejina asserted that the import duty was designed to protect domestic industries from unfair competition and safeguard local production.
Beyond the tariff policy, he called on the government to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the dumping of substandard and toxic petroleum products in the country by unscrupulous importers seeking profits at the expense of the well-being of Nigerians.
He stated that the importation and distribution of substandard products at unsustainable prices in Nigerian markets had, in the past years, discouraged investors from building industries, weakening local manufacturing.
He pointed out that the new import tariff policy will help local refiners and stimulate new investments in the downstream oil industry, strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and creating more jobs.
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While commending President Tinubu for his foresight in approving the tariff policy, the Dangote Group’s spokesman said it is aimed at strengthening and transforming Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector. He noted that the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to creating a stable, business-friendly environment that supports local investment and enhances energy security.
He cautioned that failure to preserve local sectors could result in large-scale dumping by Asian and European countries with excess production capacity. Such tactics, he argued, would strangle domestic refineries, negatively impact related sectors, and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policies aimed at encouraging industrial growth and financial stability.
Chiejina asked rent-seekers to reassess their business methods and align with the Federal Government’s objective of a self-sustaining energy sector, rather than encouraging the dumping of petroleum products in Nigeria.
He called on industry players to demonstrate a sense of patriotism, stating that national success can only be accomplished by common commitment to policies that strengthen local industries and preserve the economy.
The statement said Dangote Refinery remains committed to ensuring a steady supply of petrol and diesel nationwide, adding that its daily production capacity exceeds domestic demand.
“Our refinery is currently loading over 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily, which exceeds Nigeria’s demand,” Mr Chiejina said, adding that the refinery is working in collaboration with regulatory agencies and distribution partners to guarantee efficient nationwide delivery.
He noted that improved local production of petroleum products has helped stabilise the exchange rate and strengthen the naira.
He further stated that with advanced technology and extensive infrastructure, the refinery would significantly reduce reliance on fuel imports, boost local supply, and lessen pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
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Chiejina recalled the recent assurance by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, that the prices of petrol will not be hiked during the ember months, despite recent global price increases. “I want to assure Nigerians that the Dangote Refinery is fully committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petrol throughout the festive period. Nigerians can look forward to a Christmas and New Year free of fuel anxiety,” he stated.
The statement also noted that since commencing petrol production in September 2024, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has played a significant role in ensuring price stability, reducing the cost of petrol, and also eliminating the recurring fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations that Nigeria often experienced, particularly during festive seasons.
He claimed that the implementation of the Dangote Refinery’s Direct Delivery Scheme has led to a significant drop in the average price of petrol to between N841 and N851 per litre as of September 2025, compared to about N1,030 per litre sold in September 2024.
While comparing the average prices of petrol in Nigeria with other neighbouring West African countries, the company said it remains cheaper in Nigeria, attributing it to the impact of the refinery.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
