MURIC condemns NMDPRA over 830,000-tonne petrol import approval
By KEMI KASUMU
According to him, the NMDPRA approved the importation “despite ample evidence of petrol self-sufficiency in the country with the presence of local production efficacy courtesy of Dangote Refinery.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the approval by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for the importation of 830,000 tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigeria in the fourth quarter of 2026.
MURIC described the decision as “unnecessary, wasteful, counterproductive, regressive and unpatriotic,” arguing that Nigeria has sufficient local refining capacity, particularly with the operation of the Dangote Refinery.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, 2026, MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the approval was difficult to justify in view of the country’s current domestic refining capacity.
According to him, the NMDPRA approved the importation “despite ample evidence of petrol self-sufficiency in the country with the presence of local production efficacy courtesy of Dangote Refinery.”
MURIC said the reported justification that the licences were issued to strengthen fuel supply amid increasing strain in the international market did not adequately address the realities of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The group said: “It is a known fact that Nigeria has not experienced a single supply glitch in the sector since Dangote Refinery began operation.”
It also cited concerns reportedly raised by Dangote Refinery over increasing fuel imports despite its capacity to meet domestic demand.
“Dangote keeps complaining that it is capable of supplying local needs. It also affirms that rising fuel imports were forcing it to export surplus petroleum products despite having the capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand,” MURIC said.
The organisation further expressed concern that refined petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery are being exported to foreign markets, including Europe, while Nigeria simultaneously approves imports of the same products.
“Dangote refinery exports fuel to foreign countries including Europe. It should be our pride. How can Nigerian petroleum authorities be importing the same fuel from outside? This is not rocket science. It is simple logic. It doesn’t add up. It is laughable. NMDPRA is taking coal to Newcastle,” the group said.
MURIC urged the NMDPRA and other government agencies in the petroleum sector to support and cooperate with domestic refineries.
“We expect NMDPRA and all other government agencies in the petroleum industry to cooperate with our local refineries. The importation of refined fuel should stop forthwith,” it said.
MURIC’s statement was signed by Professor Ishaq Akintola, Founder and Executive Director of the organisation, which has the motto: “Dialogue, Not Violence.”
