The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called on the Federal Government to reinstate the 15% import duty on petroleum products, citing concerns over the impact of the suspension on domestic refining, energy security, and the economy.
In a policy brief released on November 16, 2025, the CEO of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, argued that the suspension of the import duty would undermine the country’s efforts to achieve energy independence, deepen industrialization, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.
He noted that the import duty was introduced to support emerging private refineries, promote backward integration, and ensure a level playing field for domestic producers.
The suspension of the duty would expose domestic refiners to unfair competition from importers, threatening investments in the sector and potentially leading to job losses.
The CPPE also expressed concerns about the pressure on foreign exchange, inflation, and macroeconomic stability that would result from increased imports.
The organisation emphasised the need for a stable and predictable policy framework to support long-term planning and investment in the refining sector.
To address the challenges facing the sector, the CPPE recommended reinstating the 15% import duty, providing targeted production and infrastructure incentives, strengthening policy predictability, and intensifying market monitoring.
Dr. Yusuf stressed that protecting domestic refining capacity is essential for achieving energy security, promoting industrialization, and creating jobs.
The organisation urged the government to prioritise long-term national interests over short-term gains, noting that the Dangote Refinery and emerging modular refineries are transformative national assets that require protection and support.
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