Fuel policy rift deepens as Dangote pushes for import ban

By Aremu Toyeebaht

 President of Dangote Group ,Aliko Dangote, has called on President Bola Tinubu to extend the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy to include refined petroleum products, sparking backlash from oil marketers and industry experts.

Speaking at the Global Commodity Insights Conference on West African Refined Fuel Markets in Abuja, Dangote said fuel importation is hurting local refineries and discouraging investment in the oil and gas sector. He argued that banning petrol, diesel, and other refined petroleum imports would protect Nigeria’s refining industry.“The Nigeria First policy announced by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, should apply to the petroleum products sector and all other sectors,” Dangote said.

The Nigeria First Policy, introduced in May, prohibits government agencies from importing goods or services that are locally available unless they obtain a Bureau of Public Procurement waiver. Dangote insists the policy should be expanded to cover fuel imports to support domestic refining, citing examples from the U.S., Canada, and the European Union.

However, oil marketers and analysts have rejected the proposal, warning that an import ban could create market distortions, trigger price hikes, and encourage monopolistic practices in Nigeria’s downstream sector. They advocate for a competitive fuel market instead of restrictive trade measures.