A coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Rights Activists has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 15 percent import duty on refined petroleum products, described the move as a bold and strategic step toward achieving energy self-sufficiency and protecting Nigeria’s domestic refineries.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Convener, Mr. Agabi Emmanuel, said the decision was not a revenue drive but a deliberate policy to end the dumping of fake and substandard fuels in the country.
“This 15% duty will stop the flood of adulterated products that destroy engines, pollute the environment, and endanger lives,” Emmanuel stated. “It will also ensure steady supply as local refineries Dangote, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna can now operate at full capacity without fear of being undercut by smuggled or below-cost imports.”
Presenting a 23-point communiqué titled “Full Text of Speech by the Coalition of Civil Rights Activists to Laud Mr President on the 15% Petroleum Import Tax,” Emmanuel said any short-term rise in fuel prices was a necessary trade-off for Nigeria’s long-term energy security.
He dismissed claims that the policy would create a monopoly, stressed that regulatory safeguards were already in place to ensure fair competition.
“This is about structural transformation, not favoritism,” he said.
The coalition called on the National Assembly to fast-track measures such as tax reliefs and cash transfers to cushion vulnerable households. It also urged the Presidency to publish, within 14 days, a transparent implementation timetable and revenue allocation plan for the new tariff regime.
Emmanuel further appealed to opposition parties to support the reform agenda rather than politicise it.
“Join hands with Mr President to bury the subsidy ghost forever,” he urged. “History will judge those who place politics above national rebirth.”
The group also invited development partners, including the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB), to provide technical and financial support to maximise the gains of the policy.
In his closing remarks, Emmanuel hailed President Tinubu as “a visionary and compassionate leader”, urging Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic.
“From dependence to dignity that is the promise of this 15% tariff,” he declared.
