The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially suspended its earlier plan to implement a 15% ad-valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), following widespread public outcry and economic concerns.
In a statement released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Director of Public Affairs George Ene-Ita announced that the proposed duty is “no longer in view.” The announcement was made via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, November 13, 2025. “The implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit and Diesel is no longer under consideration,” Ene-Ita stated.
The import duty was initially approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening local refining capacity and ensuring energy security.
Public analyst Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of PAACA, had earlier urged the government to reconsider, stating that the tariff would “worsen citizens’ suffering” and “threaten Nigeria’s economic stability.”
The NMDPRA reassured Nigerians that fuel supply remains stable nationwide, with products sourced from both local refineries and imports. The agency emphasized its commitment to maintaining price stability and avoiding artificial scarcity.
The suspension is seen as a responsive move to public sentiment and economic realities. The Federal Government is expected to engage stakeholders in further consultations to explore alternative fiscal strategies that balance revenue generation with consumer protection.