MAN Backs 15% Import Tariff on Petrol, Diesel
…Says Policy Will Boost Local Refining and Industrial Growth
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s approval of a 15 percent import tariff on petrol and diesel, describing it as a strategic and patriotic policy that aligns with the “Nigeria First” agenda and promotes local content development.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, MAN said the decision represents a significant step toward strengthening local refining capacity, conserving foreign exchange, and promoting the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products.
According to the association, the policy comes less than a month after its 53rd Annual General Meeting, themed “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products.” It noted that the move demonstrates the government’s attentiveness to the need for indigenous industrial growth and energy self-sufficiency.
“This policy reassures domestic manufacturers that the government is committed to halting the perennial bleeding of our economy, asserting national sovereignty, and guaranteeing energy sufficiency,” the statement read. “It is a sure step in promoting local value addition and advancing Nigeria’s long-term industrialisation objectives.”
MAN highlighted that effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provisions on domestic crude supply would further guarantee stable access to crude oil by local refineries through a “naira-for-crude” arrangement. This, it said, would ease pressure on foreign exchange and attract investors holding refinery licenses to commit resources to the sector.
The association stressed that there is “no better path to fixing Nigeria’s economy than protecting local industries, encouraging local patronage, and fostering industrial development anchored on local content.”
Among the benefits outlined, MAN said the tariff would encourage backward integration, reduce dependence on imported refined products, stabilise industrial fuel supply, generate employment, and strengthen linkages between refineries and manufacturers.
While endorsing the tariff, the association urged the Federal Government to ensure transparent and balanced implementation, calling for price monitoring mechanisms to prevent excessive mark-ups or anti-competitive practices.
It also recommended that proceeds from the tariff be reinvested in energy infrastructure, refinery upgrades, and credit support for industries transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources.
MAN further called for targeted incentives for small and medium manufacturers dependent on diesel power, and urged the government to create an enabling environment for more local and modular refineries to thrive.
Additionally, the association reiterated its long-standing position on the need to privatise government-owned refineries to end years of unproductive expenditure.
“Selling off the refineries will stop the commitment of our scarce financial resources to an evidently irredeemable venture,” MAN said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s Nigeria First policy, expressing optimism that the tariff will accelerate the country’s progress toward energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth — all anchored on the strength of Made-in-Nigeria.
