A Civil Society Organization, Renewed Hope Afenifere Concerned Supporters and Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria, on Monday raised concerns over the continued importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, into Nigeria, despite claims by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, that fuel importation had ceased.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the convener of the group, Isijola Shola, expressed disappointment in the NNPCL. He alleged that, contrary to its promises, the corporation has continued to import fuel into the country.
The group claimed that at least 489,065 metric tonnes of petrol and diesel were imported into Nigeria in January 2025, with NNPCL directly responsible for 72.25% of the volume.
The organization called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an independent investigation into the activities of the NNPCL.
According to Shola: “Ordinarily, we would ask Mele Kyari and NNPCL to explain what has happened to make Nigeria’s petroleum importation surge at a time when they are touting local refining capacity.
“But we know that such a demand would be met with indifference or more lies. We have lost confidence in the capacity of NNPCL or its leadership to do the right thing.
“It is for this reason that we urge President Bola Tinubu to safeguard his legacy and not allow the greed of an inherited appointee to tarnish his avowal of far-reaching reforms.”
