The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government for approving a 15% import tariff on petrol and diesel, describing the decision as a bold, patriotic, and strategic step toward strengthening local content, promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, and advancing national industrialisation.
The move, according to MAN, aligns perfectly with the Nigeria First agenda — the same theme that dominated discussions at the association’s recently concluded 53rd Annual General Meeting, “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products.”
In a statement released in Lagos, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General of MAN, said the new tariff sends a strong signal that the Federal Government is committed to nurturing indigenous industries and ensuring that Nigeria’s refining sector becomes globally competitive.
“This strategic policy has reassured domestic manufacturers that the government is attentive to the imperatives of growing indigenous manufacturing,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
“It exemplifies the government’s commitment to halting the perennial bleeding of our patrimony, asserting the sovereignty of our country, guaranteeing energy sufficiency, and improving the overall well-being of Nigerians,” he added.
Ajayi-Kadir described the move as a significant step toward promoting local value addition, boosting domestic refining capacity, conserving foreign exchange, and setting Nigeria on a sustainable path to industrial growth.
MAN’s Position and Expectations
MAN outlined several measures that it believes will ensure the effective implementation of the new tariff policy:
1. Full Implementation of the PIA’s Naira-for-Crude Policy:
The association urged the government to ensure reliable crude supply to local refineries through the domestic crude supply framework, as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This, MAN said, would ease forex pressure and attract new investors, including those holding refinery licenses.
2. Support for Local Refineries and Industrial Linkages:
MAN noted that the tariff would protect domestic refiners, encourage backward integration, and promote local patronage across the value chain.
3. Strengthening the Manufacturing Base:
The association stated that a stable and predictable fuel supply would enhance industrial productivity, conserve forex, and create jobs while promoting local engineering, logistics, and fabrication services.
4. A Step Toward Energy Independence:
According to MAN, the policy marks a defining shift toward achieving energy security and industrial sustainability — two critical pillars for Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.
Call for Transparency and Fair Implementation
While strongly backing the new tariff, MAN emphasized the need for transparent, well-coordinated, and fair implementation to ensure the policy benefits both industries and consumers.
The association called for:
Strict Price Monitoring: Regulatory agencies such as the PPPRA, NMDPRA, and FCCPC should monitor domestic pricing to prevent unfair markups or anti-competitive practices.
Stable Transition Period: MAN urged the government to provide temporary support to local refiners to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and prevent hoarding or scarcity, especially as the festive season approaches.
Reinvestment of Tariff Revenue: MAN advised that proceeds from the import duty should be channelled into refinery upgrades, energy infrastructure, and credit support schemes for manufacturers transitioning to renewable energy.
Support for SMEs: The association suggested targeted incentives for small and medium-scale manufacturers who rely heavily on diesel generators.
Encouragement of More Local Refineries: MAN also urged the government to attract investments in modular and conventional refineries to expand refining capacity and foster competition.
Privatization of Non-Functional Refineries: The association advised the Federal Government to privatize state-owned refineries, arguing that doing so would end years of financial waste and inefficiency.
MAN reaffirmed its support for the Federal Government’s Nigeria First economic policy and commended the 15% tariff as a strategic tool for achieving energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth.
“This is not just a tariff policy — it is a statement of intent to refine, build, and grow Nigeria from within,” MAN concluded.
The association urged continued collaboration between government, regulators, and the private sector to ensure the policy delivers maximum benefits to the Nigerian economy.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the Federal Government’s approval of a 15% import tariff on petrol and diesel, describing it as a bold step to strengthen local refining, boost industrial growth, and advance the Nigeria First agenda.
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
