By Newspot Nigeria Staff Reporter
Abuja, Nigeria — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has raised strong concerns over the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 15% import duty on petroleum products, warning that the move could worsen the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
In a press statement issued on Thursday in Abuja and signed by the Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD acknowledged the government’s intention to encourage local refining and reduce dependency on fuel imports. However, the group warned that implementing the policy at a time of rising inflation, weakened purchasing power, and sharp increases in food and transportation costs could further deepen suffering across the country.
Calls for Inclusive Consultation
FENRAD stressed that major economic reforms should not be introduced without broad stakeholder consultation, noting that policies affecting millions of citizens must reflect the realities of households and businesses already under financial pressure.
The group called for urgent engagement with:
- Government authorities at federal, state, and local levels
- Labour unions and professional associations
- Private sector and manufacturing firms
- Civil society and grassroots organizations
- Economic, financial, and energy policy experts
According to FENRAD, such dialogue is critical to designing reform strategies that are people-centered and economically responsible, ensuring that the push for energy independence does not override basic welfare needs.
Human Welfare Must Remain a Priority
While supporting the long-term goal of increasing domestic refining capacity, FENRAD emphasized that reforms must be carefully sequenced and accompanied by targeted cushioning mechanisms, transparency in revenue use, and sustainable price-stabilization frameworks.
The group urged the Federal Government to:
- Reassess the timing and rollout of the import duty,
- Develop cushioning measures and targeted palliatives,
- Ensure transparency in revenue utilization, and
- Prioritize sustainable local refining to create jobs and stabilize prices.
FENRAD warned that implementing the policy in the current climate, without safeguards or dialogue, could erode public trust and intensify economic hardship.
FULL STATEMENT BELOW
PRESS RELEASE
FENRAD Calls for Stakeholder Consultation Over 15% Import Duty on Petroleum Products Amid Economic Uncertainty and Rising Inflation
Abuja, FCT — October 31, 2025.
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) a prominent and leading civil society organization expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 15% import duty on petroleum products — including petrol and diesel — coming at a time of severe economic strain, rising inflation, and widespread hardship across Nigeria.
While acknowledging the government’s intent to promote local refining and economic self-reliance, FENRAD warns that the policy, introduced without broad consultation, could further exacerbate inflationary pressures, increase transportation and food costs, and deepen the suffering of already vulnerable Nigerians.
The Need for Broad Stakeholder Engagement
FENRAD strongly believes that in light of the current economic challenges — characterized by unprecedented inflation rates, currency depreciation, and declining purchasing power — government actions must be inclusive, transparent, and consultative.
The Foundation calls for an urgent multi-stakeholder dialogue involving:
- Federal, state, and local government representatives;
- Labour unions and professional associations;
- Civil society and community-based organizations;
- Private sector actors and local manufacturers; and
- Experts in finance, trade, and energy policy.
According to FENRAD, such consultations will ensure that the 15% import duty and other fiscal reforms are people-centered, evidence-based, and socially responsible, balancing economic objectives with citizens’ welfare.
Balancing Economic Reform with Human Welfare
FENRAD recognizes the importance of fostering local refining capacity and reducing reliance on imported petroleum products. However, the Foundation emphasizes that economic reforms must not come at the expense of human dignity and survival.
The organization therefore urges the Federal Government to:
- Reassess the timing and implementation of the 15% import duty in view of its inflationary consequences;
- Engage key stakeholders to design effective cushioning mechanisms and targeted palliatives;
- Ensure transparency in the utilization of revenues generated from such duties; and
- Invest in sustainable domestic production that can stabilize prices, create jobs, and boost industrial growth.
A Call for Responsible Economic Governance
FENRAD maintains that the government’s economic recovery plan must be anchored on consultation, fairness, and inclusivity. Policies affecting millions of citizens should not be enacted without meaningful engagement with the people and institutions most impacted.
“This 15% import duty policy, though well-intentioned, risks worsening inflation and eroding public trust if implemented without consultation and safeguards,” the statement reads.
“Nigeria needs a people-driven economic reform process. We call on the Federal Government to engage stakeholders in genuine dialogue to ensure that policies uplift rather than burden citizens.”
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD
This report is published by Newspot Nigeria.
