A human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of insincerity and misleading the public by continuing to issue import licences for petroleum products, despite assurances that such practices had ceased.

Accusations of Contradictory Policies

The executive director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, stated in a statement on Saturday that NMDPRA has been issuing import licenses for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) despite claims that the authority had put an end to the importation of fuel. He alleged that this policy is not only dishonest but also detrimental to the growth of local refineries and the Nigerian economy.

According to Akintola, at least six companies are currently importing PMS in Nigeria, contradicting NMDPRA’s earlier assertion that fuel importation had been halted. He described the situation as an affront to transparency, probity, and accountability, stating that Nigerians have a right to be informed about how their resources are managed.

The revelations have sparked concerns about the impact on the local refining sector. The Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s largest, has the capacity to produce 75 million litres of petrol daily, which significantly exceeds the nation’s current fuel consumption of 56.9 million litres per day, according to NMDPRA’s February 2026 data.

Economic and Inflationary Consequences

MURIC warned that the continued importation of fuel could lead to a surge in fuel prices, which would have a cascading effect on the cost of goods and services. The group pointed out that the Nigerian naira had shown signs of recovery since the Dangote Refinery began operations, with inflation dropping from 15.10% in January 2026 to 13.47% in February 2026, a significant decrease from the 34.6% inflation rate recorded in November 2024.

Akintola emphasized that the Dangote Refinery has been instrumental in boosting the economy by exporting petroleum products to both Western and African markets. This has led to a substantial inflow of foreign currency, which has helped stabilize the naira and reduce inflation.

He questioned the rationale behind NMDPRA’s decision to allow additional fuel imports when local refineries have the capacity to meet domestic demand. The group argued that the policy undermines the principles of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which mandates that import licences be issued only to bridge gaps between refining capacity and national demand.

According to Akintola, the continued issuance of import licences by NMDPRA appears to be a gamble and a betrayal of the public’s trust. He expressed frustration over the apparent discrepancy between the regulator’s statements and its actions, asking, “Who did this to Nigeria?”

Implications for the Nigerian Economy

Experts suggest that the continued importation of fuel could exacerbate the country’s foreign exchange challenges, as Nigeria’s foreign reserves are already under pressure. The practice may also hinder the development of the domestic refining sector, which is crucial for long-term energy security and economic independence.

The situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight and the enforcement of existing laws. MURIC has called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s petroleum sector, urging NMDPRA to align its policies with the interests of both the local industry and the general public.

With the Dangote Refinery and other local refineries already capable of meeting domestic demand, the continued reliance on imports is seen as a misstep that could undermine the progress made in recent years. The group has urged the government and regulatory bodies to prioritize the development of the local refining sector to ensure sustainable economic growth.

As the debate continues, the Nigerian public is closely watching the actions of NMDPRA and the government to see whether they will take steps to address the concerns raised by MURIC and other stakeholders in the petroleum sector.