Dangote Refinery: Cancel fresh petrol import licenses now — Tank Farm Owners to Nigerian govt

Members of the Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farms Owners of Nigeria (JETFON) have requested that the Nigerian government revoke the petrol import licenses recently issued to marketers.

Executive Secretary Mr. Olayiwola Temitope made the statement on Tuesday.

JETFON clarified that it does not support the lawsuit that the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) intends to file against Dangote Refinery’s challenge to the newly granted import licenses by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

According to JETFON, the licenses undermine Nigeria’s economy and hinder industrial growth.

The group argued that repeatedly issuing import permits erodes domestic production and diminishes the value of large local investments such as the Dangote Refinery.

It further maintained that full reliance on local refining capacity is essential for genuine economic independence and energy security.

“Relying on foreign refined products leaves the local economy vulnerable to external supply‑chain shocks, international logistics disruptions, and ongoing foreign‑exchange pressures that weaken the naira,” the statement read.

“By prioritising local refineries, Nigeria can build a self‑sustaining and secure domestic fuel supply ecosystem,” it added.

Dangote Refinery had previously taken the government to court over the issuance of fresh petrol import licenses, arguing that they contradicted the country’s ‘Nigeria first’ policy.

In contrast, DAPPMAN has shown little concern about the potential risks of importation to the Nigerian economy and has opposed the Dangote Refinery’s position.