Barely three weeks after approving a controversial 15% ad valorem import tariff on petrol and diesel, the Nigerian government has shifted the implementation of the duty to January 2026, citing the need for more oversight to ensure a smooth rollout.
The decision was disclosed in a letter dated November 7, 2025, addressed to the President by the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
“Following a thorough assessment of market conditions and the agreed strategic implementation roadmap, it was collectively determined that is necessary to allow for a smoother and more efficient rollout,” the statement read in part.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) confirmed the postponement in a statement released on Thursday, noting that the planned implementation of the import duty “is no longer in view.”
Approved by President Bola Tinubu in October, the new policy would have marked Nigeria’s first direct import tariff on petroleum products since the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.
According to NMDPRA’s Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, the suspension followed consultations with key stakeholders and a review of prevailing market conditions.
He emphasized that the Authority would continue monitoring supply and pricing to maintain stability during the peak demand season.
“The implementation of the 15% ad valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit and diesel is no longer in view,” he stated, assuring the public that there is currently “adequate domestic supply within acceptable national sufficiency thresholds.”
Originally scheduled to begin on December 1, the tariff will now take effect in January 2026, subject to fresh presidential approval.
The FIRS explained that the deferment would allow time “to complete oversight on technical templates” and coordinate import scheduling with stakeholders to ensure the reform achieves its intended stabilizing impact.
The policy is designed to encourage domestic refining and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
Despite recent progress, NMDPRA reports that the country still imports up to 60% of its daily fuel needs, with the balance supplied almost entirely by the Dangote refinery.
Days after President Tinubu approved the now-postponed tariff, Dangote issued a statement assuring Nigerians of a fuel-scarcity-free festive season.
“Our refinery is producing and loading over 45 million litres of petrol and 25 million litres of diesel each day, which surpass national demand,” the company said.
“We are working closely with regulatory agencies and distribution partners to guarantee efficient nationwide delivery.”
The refinery, already Africa’s largest, recently unveiled plans to more than double its capacity from 0.65m b/d to 1.4m b/d over the next three years.