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Northern Industrialists Back 15% Fuel Tariff

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Chairman Manufacturer Association of Nigeria Chalawa Sharada branch Muhammad Madugu presents an award to Dangote's Fatima Wali Abdurrahman during MAN visit to the company's regional office in Abuja

 

Industrialists from Northern Nigeria have welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to impose a 15 per cent import duty on petroleum products, noting that the measure is a strategic move aimed at stimulating local production, enhancing value addition within the oil and gas sector, and creating a more competitive environment for Nigerian manufacturers.

Muhammad Nura Madugu, who chairs the Sharada-Challawa branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Kano spoke Tuesday during the Association’s visit to the Dangote Group’s regional office in Abuja.

He said local manufacturers will continue to align with progressive government policies designed to stimulate industrial development, promote local content, and position Nigerian companies to compete effectively on the global stage.

Mr. Madugu explained that his members adopt a balanced approach in assessing government policies, weighing their potential benefits and challenges both to member industries and to the nation’s economic development.

According to him, there are numerous business opportunities arising from the various derivatives of crude oil refining by the company, adding that his members are eager to leverage the vast potential created by the Dangote Refinery.

Mr. Madugu said some of the key derivatives obtained from crude oil refining include petrol, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Others, he said are naphtha, bitumen, lubricating oils, and fuel oil, as well as important petrochemical feedstocks such as linear alkylbenzene (LAB), ethylene, propylene, and butadiene, all of which serve as raw materials to produce plastics, detergents, synthetic fibres, and other industrial goods.
The courtesy visit followed the 2025 MAN Product Exhibition in Kano, an annual event sponsored by Dangote Industries Limited.

He lauded Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, for his rare faith and resilience in advancing the Nigerian project

The MAN team also presented Awards of Excellence to Mr. Aliko Dangote and to the Special Adviser on Strategic Relations and Projects to the Dangote Group President, Mrs. Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman.

In her reaction, Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman expressed the company’s appreciation, adding that Mr. Dangote is passionate about supporting the government in growing and developing the Nigerian economy.

She said the company remains committed to promoting locally made products and driving job creation across the country.

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According to her: “We believe that strong linkages between the refinery and local manufacturers will stimulate the growth of ancillary industries, create new value chains, and enhance our collective capacity to meet both domestic and export demands.”

Mr. Dangote recently disclosed plans to expand the refinery’s capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), which is projected to generate approximately 65,000 jobs for Nigerians.

Accompanying Mr. Madugu on the visit to the Dangote Group’s regional office were the Vice Chairman (Bompai), Mr. Auwal Muhammad; the Executive Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Garba; and Mr. Sani Shuaibu Sagagi, an official of the Association.

In a similar reaction, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kano-Jigawa Branch, Muhammad Bello Isyaku Umar, lauded the introduction of the new import duty on petrol and diesel, describing it as a policy capable of placing the nation’s economy on a stronger and more sustainable footing.

He said:” It will reduce the country’s volume of importation and high demand for Foreign Exchange, and this will improve the value of our currency.”

Mr. Umar added, “The new policy will encourage more investment in the oil sector, especially in refining petroleum. It will also increase government revenue. If there is not enough local supply, the policy can lead to higher fuel prices, increase in transportation and goods.”

President Bola Tinubu had approved a 15 per cent import tariff on petrol and diesel, describing the policy as a strategic step to stimulate local refining and strengthen Nigeria’s energy independence.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, on his official X handle, the new policy was “a bridge, not a burden”, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s petroleum landscape and securing long-term economic stability.

“It’s no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, a bold and strategic move aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape,” Dare wrote.

He noted that for years, Nigeria had depended on imported fuel despite being one of the world’s leading crude oil producers, a situation that drained foreign exchange, hindered job creation, and stifled local refining investments.

“For years, the nation has depended heavily on imported fuel despite being a leading crude oil producer, draining foreign exchange and exporting jobs that should have been created at home. This new policy is designed to reverse that trend by encouraging local refining, boosting domestic capacity, and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil wealth translates directly into national prosperity,” the statement added.

The Dangote Refinery, which commenced operations in 2024, has emerged as a dominant refining giant in Nigeria’s downstream sector.

With an installed capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the facility said it can meet Nigeria’s fuel demand.

Spokesman of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, had assured that the Dangote Refinery can meet Nigeria’s fuel demand.

The refinery is now “loading 45 million liters of PMS and 25 million liters of diesel daily, which exceeds Nigeria’s demand,” Mr. Chiejina, said in a statement.

He said: “This significant production capacity not only guarantees local supply but also enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imports.”

Mr. Chiejina added: “We are working collaboratively with regulatory agencies and distribution partners to guarantee efficient nationwide delivery. Dangote remains steadfast in its commitment to meeting the energy needs of Nigerians. This significant production capacity not only guarantees local supply but also enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imports.”

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JUST IN: National Assembly to Re-gazette Tax Laws Amid Controversy

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The National Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gazette four major tax reform acts and issue Certified True Copies of the versions officially passed by parliament, following public controversy over discrepancies in the published laws.

In a Friday statement, House Spokesman Akin Rotimi said the leadership of both chambers authorized the move to “protect the integrity of the legislative record,” describing it as an administrative step to accurately reflect parliamentary decisions.

The directive addresses growing scrutiny over the Nigeria Tax Act (2025), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (2025), Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act (2025), and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act (2025)—particularly concerning harmonization of bills, documentation sent for presidential assent, and the versions eventually published in the Official Gazette.

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Rotimi emphasized that the legislature is addressing the matter within its constitutional authority. Last week, the House formed a seven-member Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the legislative and administrative handling of the acts.

“The Committee, alongside relevant National Assembly bodies, is conducting an institutional review to establish the sequence of events and identify any contributing factors,” he stated, noting the review will examine potential “lapses, irregularities, or external interferences.”

The process, he added, complies fully with the Constitution, the Acts Authentication Act, and parliamentary standing orders.

While the re-gazetting aims to “clear any ambiguity,” Rotimi clarified that the review “does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority.” He also stated the action is without prejudice to other arms of government and does not affect existing rights or legal processes.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the House pledged to take “appropriate corrective measures” if procedural refinements are needed.

The public was urged to allow the institutional process to proceed “without speculation or conjecture.”

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Airstrikes: Activist Sowore Decries Reckless Breach of Sovereignty By the U.S Government

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has issued a fierce condemnation of a confirmed U.S. military airstrike inside Nigeria, labeling the action a dangerous breach of sovereignty and an “imperialist move” by President Donald Trump.

Sowore’s warning follows President Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered a “powerful and deadly strike” against ISIS fighters in northwest Nigeria. Trump justified the operation, stating the militants had been “viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians” and that he had delivered promised retribution: “there was hell to pay.”

While the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike was conducted “at the request of Nigerian authorities,” Sowore argued that direct foreign military intervention is a catastrophic precedent.

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“Nobody should be rejoicing about this,” Sowore stated. “The U.S. could help the Nigerian military, but U.S. military carrying out an attack inside Nigeria is extremely dangerous, reckless, and bad.”

He described the event as “a sad day for the so-called African liberation and Independence.”

The strike triggered panic on the ground in Sokoto State. Residents of Jabo village reported a sudden, loud explosion on Christmas night, with many fearing an imminent attack. “It happened suddenly… The explosion caused fear, but thank God it did not land among people,” one eyewitness said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed gratitude for “Nigerian government support & cooperation” and ominously added there would be “more to come.”

The operation marks a sharp and controversial escalation of U.S. counter-terrorism activity in West Africa, raising urgent questions about sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the future of regional security partnerships.

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Nigeria Aides U.S in Sokoto Airstrike Against ISIS

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Donald J. Trump has announced that the United States carried out targeted military strikes against ISIS–affiliated militants in north-west Nigeria, marking a sharp escalation in American counter-terrorism operations in West Africa.

In a late-night statement published on Truth Social, the U.S. President said the operation was conducted under his direct orders as Commander-in-Chief, describing it as “a powerful and deadly strike” aimed at extremist elements responsible for repeated attacks in the region.

According to Mr Trump, the militants had been involved in brutal assaults on local communities, particularly targeting Christian populations. He said he had previously warned the group of consequences if the violence continued.

“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS terrorist scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians… I have previously warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was,” the statement read in part.

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He added that the “Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes,” asserting that the U.S. would not allow extremist groups to flourish under his leadership.

While the President praised the American military, he also issued a stern warning to the militants, saying there would be further consequences if attacks on civilians persisted.

Confirming the development, the Nigerian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that it provided the intelligence needed to the United States government concerning the airstrike.

“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,” said the ministry.

It further stated that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America, in addressing the persistent threat of terrorism and violent extremism.

On the particular location of the strike in the northwestern part of the country, netizens, particularly from Sokoto State, have confirmed that a rocket landed in Jabo Ward, under Tambuwal LG of Sokoto State, Nigeria this same night.

Similarly, the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), an organization responsible for the United States military operations in the continent, in a series of posts on X, said the airstrikes were launched based on requests of the Nigerian government.

“AFRICOM conducted a strike at the request of Nigerian authorities in Sokoto State killing multiple ISIS terrorists. Lethal strikes against ISIS demonstrate the strength of our military and our commitment to eliminating terrorist threats against Americans at home and abroad,” the statement reads.

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