The Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) have strongly condemned the Federal Government’s recent announcement suspending the 15% import duty tax tariffs on petroleum products, describing it as a move that undermines local refineries and the economic interests of Nigerians.
The announcement, signed by the Principal Private Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Prince Damilotun Aderemi, and corroborated by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), cited alleged panic buying of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) as justification for the suspension.
However, the groups insist there is no evidence of panic buying or fuel scarcity in any part of Nigeria. They described the suspension as “a figment of imagination” orchestrated by “desperate and powerful oil cabals” seeking to perpetuate the impoverishment and suffering of Nigerians.
In a joint statement, the NCG and YCW reiterated their demand for the immediate implementation of the 15% import duty tariffs, calling for a total ban on petroleum importation to protect local refineries, particularly Dangote Refinery, which they say has the capacity to meet national fuel demand if granted 100% allocation of crude oil supply.
The groups cited a recent presentation on 12th November, 2025, to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, where they urged accelerated action to ensure indigenous refineries are protected from intimidation, under-supply, and economic sabotage.
The coalition described Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his refinery as patriotic and compassionate, capable of ensuring national fuel security. They highlighted that Dangote Refinery’s tank farm alone can sustain the nation for up to a year in the event of emergencies, dismissing allegations of monopoly or mismanagement.
The groups also criticized unions and operators, including DAPPMAN, IPMAN, PENGASSAN, and NUPENG, accusing them of orchestrating the tariff suspension to perpetuate fuel import dependency. They specifically condemned Comrade Festus Osifo-led PENGASSAN, alleging premeditated refinery shutdowns and dissemination of false narratives against Dangote Refinery, resulting in estimated losses of N30 billion.
To reinforce their demands, the coalition has petitioned the EFCC, Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and other relevant agencies to investigate alleged sabotage at Dangote Refinery, which they claim occurred 22 times under the guise of staff actions.
The solidarity protest, themed White & Jeans, brought together stakeholders across sectors—including academia, artisans, community leaders, royal fathers, and professionals—who expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while voicing unwavering support for local refineries and the full implementation of the 15% import duty.
Aare Oladotun Hassan Esq., President and Convener of NCG, reaffirmed that the suspension is a dangerous policy that threatens national economic stability and urged Nigerians to stand united in safeguarding local petroleum investments.
The NCG and YCW remain committed to ensuring that local refineries, particularly Dangote Refinery, receive 100% crude oil allocation, while advocating for policies that reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and strengthen Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.
