The Bola Tinubu-led government has suspended its planned implementation of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel following mounting public backlash.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced the reversal on Wednesday, stating that the proposed tariff adjustment is “no longer in view”.
A statement signed by George Ene-Ita, the Director of the Public Affairs Department, clarified that the Authority remains committed to maintaining stable prices and steady product availability.
“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15% ad valorem import duty on imported premium motor spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” the statement read.
The NMDPRA reassured citizens that there is sufficient fuel supply nationwide and dismissed fears of scarcity during the current peak demand period.
READ MORE: Tinubu Slaps 15% Tariff on Petrol, Diesel; Nigerians Brace for Another Fuel Hike
“The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) wishes to assure the general public that there is an adequate supply of petroleum products in the country, within the acceptable national sufficiency threshold during this peak demand period.”
According to the agency, both locally refined and imported products are sustaining Nigeria’s fuel reserves.
“There is a robust domestic supply of petroleum products (AGO, PMS, LPG, etc.) sourced from both local refineries and importation to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail stations during this period.”
The NMDPRA urged fuel marketers and consumers to desist from panic buying, hoarding, or arbitrary price increases.
“The Authority wishes to use this opportunity to advise against any hoarding, panic buying or non-market reflective escalation of prices of petroleum products.”
It added that market surveillance will continue across the country to prevent disruptions in distribution.
“The Authority will continue to closely monitor the supply situation and take appropriate regulatory measures to prevent disruption of supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country, especially during this peak demand period.”
The agency also acknowledged industry stakeholders for sustaining product stability and pledged to uphold national energy security.
“While appreciating the continued efforts of all stakeholders in the midstream and downstream value chain in ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted supply and distribution, the public is hereby assured of NMDPRA’s commitment to guarantee energy security.”
The suspension comes weeks after reports revealed that Tinubu had secretly approved the controversial 15 percent duty on petrol and diesel through a restricted memo circulated from the State House.
The document, dated October 21, 2025, and signed by Damilotun Aderemi, the Private Secretary to the President, authorised what was described as a “market-responsive import tariff framework” for fuel importation.
The policy had sparked public anger and criticism from independent marketers, who alleged it was a deliberate attempt to hand an unfair advantage to billionaire Aliko Dangote’s Lagos refinery over other importers.
With growing discontent and fears of worsening hardship, Tinubu’s administration has now been forced to step back on the policy—a move many analysts see as another reactionary attempt to quell public outrage rather than genuine economic reform.
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