The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved a new round of petrol import licences, authorising six local marketers to bring an estimated 720,000 metric tons of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the country.
The licences were issued to NIPCO, AA Rano, Matrix, Shafa, Pinnacle and Bono, with import volumes allocated as follows: NIPCO – 120,000 mt; AA Rano – 150,000 mt; Matrix – 150,000 mt; Shafa – 120,000 mt; Pinnacle – 120,000 mt; and Bono – 60,000 mt. The combined volume represents a substantial increase in imported fuel supply, a shift from the recent policy emphasis on local refining capacity.
The decision marks a departure from the government’s earlier focus on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which has repeatedly asserted that its 650,000‑barrel‑per‑day plant can meet the nation’s fuel demand. NMDPRA data released earlier this month indicate that the refinery already supplies roughly 90 percent of Nigeria’s daily consumption, underscoring the regulator’s rationale for the new licences as a measure to supplement domestic production rather than replace it.
Stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions. Industry observers note that the licences could alleviate short‑term supply pressures, particularly in regions where refinery output has been uneven. At the same time, consumer groups worry that increased imports may affect local refinery profitability and broader energy‑sector reform efforts.
The licence allocation comes shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new chief executive officer of NMDPRA, succeeding Saidu Mohammed, who was removed from the post while on official duty in Germany. The leadership change signals a possible recalibration of Nigeria’s downstream policy, although the regulator has not detailed any immediate revisions to its strategic framework.
Analysts will be watching how the imported volumes are distributed across the market and whether the additional supply eases existing price volatility. The NMDPRA has indicated that the licences are time‑bound and subject to periodic review, suggesting that future import authorisations will depend on the performance of both imported fuel and the domestic refining sector.
By allowing the six marketers to import 720,000 mt of PMS, the government aims to ensure adequate fuel availability while the country continues to develop its refining capacity. The next steps include monitoring import logistics, assessing impact on domestic supply chains, and evaluating the long‑term balance between imported and locally produced fuel.
