MURIC commends FG for suspending petrol imports, urges full crude supply to local refineries
MURIC Ishaq Akintola, described the decision to halt petrol imports as “commendable, forthright and nationalistic,” noting that it would widen the market for domestic refineries and prevent market saturation from excessive fuel imports.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for suspending petrol imports following a boost in local petroleum production.
The Islamic human rights organisation, however, urged the government to ensure the full supply of crude oil to local refineries to strengthen Nigeria’s drive toward energy self-sufficiency.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Executive Director of MURIC, Ishaq Akintola, described the decision to halt petrol imports as “commendable, forthright and nationalistic,” noting that it would widen the market for domestic refineries and prevent market saturation from excessive fuel imports.
According to him, while the policy boosts local production, the government must ensure that local refineries receive adequate crude oil supply to operate effectively.
Akintola expressed concern that the Dangote Refinery is reportedly receiving only between 28 and 32 percent of the crude oil it requires, a situation he described as disturbing given Nigeria’s long-standing fuel supply challenges.
He therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue an executive order mandating the supply of 100 percent of the crude oil needed by local refineries.
MURIC also praised the government’s decision to release 100,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation difficulties across the country, but stressed that the initiative should be complemented with policies that prioritise crude supply to local refining facilities.
The organisation warned that forcing large refineries to rely on traders and middlemen for over 70 percent of their crude oil needs could increase operational costs and ultimately affect fuel pricing.
MURIC concluded that ensuring full crude oil supply to domestic refineries would reduce production costs, improve fuel availability and bring relief to Nigerians.
