Coalitions Reject Tinubu Govt’s Suspension of 15% Fuel Import Tariff

A major policy decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has sparked significant opposition, with two influential civil society groups, the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and the Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW), publicly rejecting the recent suspension of the 15% import duty tariffs on petroleum products. The groups argue that the suspension is a profound step in the wrong direction, actively undermining Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and the viability of local refineries.

The controversy arose after Prince Damilotun Aderemi, the Principal Private Secretary to President Tinubu, announced the tariff suspension on Thursday. Aderemi cited alleged “panic buying” of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil as the primary justification for the executive decision.

However, the NCG and YCW vehemently disputed this rationale, insisting that there is no verifiable evidence of widespread panic buying or fuel scarcity in any part of Nigeria. In a sharply worded joint statement, the coalitions described the suspension as a “figment of imagination” orchestrated by “desperate and powerful oil cabals” whose sole aim is to perpetuate the impoverishment and suffering of Nigerian citizens by maintaining the import dependency structure.

The groups reiterated their demand for the immediate reinstatement of the 15% import duty tariffs and issued a bold call for a total ban on petroleum importation. They contend that only such decisive action can effectively protect indigenous refineries and serve the long-term economic interests of the country.

To bolster their demands, the coalitions cited their recent advocacy efforts, including a formal presentation delivered on November 12, 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, through the House Leader, Honourable Noheem Adams. In that presentation, they urged for accelerated governmental action to ensure indigenous refineries are protected from intimidation, under-supply, and economic sabotage perpetuated by vested interests.

Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq., President and Convener of the NCG, reaffirmed the group’s stance, warning that “the suspension is a dangerous policy that threatens national economic stability.” He urged Nigerians across the board to stand united in safeguarding local petroleum investments and challenging policies that favour foreign dependence. The NCG and YCW concluded by affirming their commitment to ensuring local refineries receive a 100% crude oil allocation and to advocating for comprehensive policies that effectively reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.