The Presidency has defended the recently approved 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, describing it as a strategic step to safeguard Nigeria’s economy and promote energy independence.
The government said the measure would stimulate local production, ease foreign exchange pressure, and strengthen the foundation for industrial growth.
According to Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare, the policy is not a financial burden on Nigerians but “a bridge toward national self-reliance and economic recovery.”
He explained that the move is designed to shift Nigeria from reliance on imported fuel to a sustainable, home-grown energy model.
Dare noted that decades of dependence on imported fuel had weakened the naira, exported jobs, and drained foreign reserves, issues the administration aims to address.
He also stressed that by making imported fuel less attractive, the government seeks to boost local refining capacity through facilities such as the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries nationwide.
“This approach will allow Nigeria to retain more value from its oil resources while fostering investment and employment,” Dare stated.
The Presidency expects that as domestic refineries expand output, fuel supply will stabilize and prices will gradually adjust.
“We are transitioning from dependency to productivity, and this tariff is part of that journey,” he added.
Dare concluded that the 15 per cent duty represents a deliberate shift toward a resilient energy sector capable of sustaining Nigeria’s economic growth.
