Dangote Refinery has voiced support for President Bola Tinubu’s recently approved 15 % import duty on fuel and diesel. Spokesperson Anthony Chiejina warned that criticizing the tariff would be unpatriotic, arguing that it is intended to protect local production and prevent unfair competition. He contended that reliance on imports hampers industrialisation, creates unemployment and deprives the government of revenue.
Chiejina highlighted the refinery’s output, stating that the 650,000‑barrel‑per‑day plant is currently producing over 45 million litres of premium motor spirit and 25 million litres of diesel each day—figures he said exceed Nigeria’s demand and demonstrate the refinery’s capacity to meet the country’s fuel needs. He praised President Tinubu’s leadership for renewing hope and restoring investor confidence in the economy, and warned that dumping imported fuel could foster poverty, discourage industrialisation and further erode government revenue.
However, a report from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in October 2025 indicated that Dangote Refinery’s average daily petrol production is about 20 million litres, contradicting Chiejina’s claim of 45 million litres. This discrepancy raises questions about the refinery’s actual production capacity and its ability to satisfy Nigeria’s fuel requirements.
The introduction of the 15 % import duty tariff marks a significant development in Nigeria’s downstream oil sector. Expected to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports, the measure could generate government revenue and create jobs. As the nation’s largest refinery, Dangote’s endorsement of the tariff is noteworthy, and its production figures will be closely watched in the coming months. The overall impact of the tariff on the Nigerian economy and oil industry remains to be seen.
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