The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed strong support for the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 15 per cent import tariff on petrol and diesel, describing the policy as a strategic step towards strengthening local content, promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, and achieving energy independence.
In a statement signed by MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, the association commended the decision as a “patriotic and well-considered policy” that aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First agenda and MAN’s long-standing advocacy for indigenous industrial growth.
“This strategic policy has reassured domestic manufacturers that Government is attentive to the imperatives of growing indigenous manufacturing,” the statement read. “It exemplifies governments commitment to halting the perennial bleeding of our patrimony; asserting the sovereignty of the great country; guaranteeing energy sufficiency and security, and improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerians in this regards. This is a sure step in the promotion of local value addition, strengthening domestic refining capacity, conserving foreign exchange, and advancing Nigeria’s long-term industrialisation objectives”.
MAN emphasised that the introduction of the tariff would encourage local refining, conserve foreign exchange, and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency in petroleum products. The association noted that despite the country’s vast crude oil resources, billions of dollars are still spent annually on importing refined fuel, a situation it said the new tariff would help correct.
The association also reiterated its support for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provisions on domestic crude supply, particularly the “Naira-for-crude” arrangement, which would ensure reliable crude availability to local refineries and ease pressure on foreign reserves.
“There is no better path to fixing Nigeria’s economy than protecting local industries, encouraging local patronage, fostering value addition, and promoting industrial development anchored on local content,” Ajayi-Kadir stated.
According to MAN, the 15 per cent tariff is not a punitive measure but a deliberate industrial policy tool designed to encourage utilisation of local refining capacity and promote backward integration across the energy value chain; conserve foreign exchange by reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing base through a more stable and predictable fuel supply. Others are generation of employment, building technical expertise, and stimulating linkages between refineries and manufacturers as well as promoting local content development and stimulating demand for Nigerian engineering, fabrication, and logistics services.
The association described the tariff as a vital step in achieving energy independence and industrial sustainability, both prerequisites for Nigeria’s economic transformation.
While pledging its full support, MAN urged the government to ensure transparent and coordinated implementation of the policy to prevent unintended cost burdens on industry and consumers. It called on key regulators including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to monitor domestic prices and discourage anti-competitive behaviour.
MAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s Nigeria First policy direction, particularly in areas that promote local content and home-grown industrialisation.
“MAN believes that this tariff will accelerate the country’s journey toward energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth — all anchored on the strength of Made-in-Nigeria,” Ajayi-Kadir added.
