Nigeria’s Federal Government has suspended the issuance of petrol import licences for a second consecutive month, signalling a stronger push to prioritise domestic refining.
Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority shows no licences for Premium Motor Spirit were issued in February. The Crude Oil Refineries Association of Nigeria confirmed that none has been granted so far in March.
The move aligns with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, which allow petrol imports only when local production cannot meet national demand.
Industry observers say the shift could strengthen domestic refining, including operations at the Dangote Refinery and other local plants. Last year, local refiners challenged the regulator and NNPC Limited in court over continued fuel imports.
Commenting on the development, CORAN spokesperson Eche Idoko said the decision supports local production.
“For us, anything that protects local production is a good move. The challenge now is to sustain the momentum,” he said.
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