The Kano Chamber of Commerce says Nigeria risks undermining its own economy by favouring fuel imports over domestic production.
Concerns Over Policy Direction
The Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) has warned that the Federal Government’s continued issuance of licences to import Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) could pose a serious threat to major local investments, particularly in the energy sector.
Speaking to journalists, KACCIMA President, Ambassador Usman Darma, expressed concern over what he described as a policy contradiction—Nigeria expanding its local refining capacity while still relying heavily on imported fuel.
According to him, this approach risks weakening investor confidence, slowing economic growth, and worsening unemployment across the country.
Dangote Refinery at the Centre of the Debate
Darma’s comments come amid a public dispute between Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The KACCIMA president argued that challenges faced by large-scale local investors such as Dangote send troubling signals to both local and foreign investors.
“When a local investor who has committed enormous time and resources begins to face obstacles on projects he has already delivered, it creates uncertainty,” Darma said. “That uncertainty discourages future investment.”
He noted that Dangote is one of the largest employers of labour in Nigeria after the Federal Government, warning that any threat to his operations could have far-reaching consequences.
Risks to Jobs and National Security
Beyond economic implications, KACCIMA linked fuel importation policies to broader social and security risks. Darma cautioned that if local refineries are forced to downsize due to unfavourable policies, rising unemployment could fuel insecurity.
“If this situation continues, local refiners may be compelled to cut their workforce,” he said. “Unemployment is a major driver of insecurity in any country, and Nigeria is no exception.”
He added that reliance on imported fuel effectively exports job opportunities to other countries, while Nigerians are left without work.
Call for Presidential Intervention
KACCIMA appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and reassess the current policy direction in the downstream petroleum sector.
“We are not saying Dangote should be the only refinery in Nigeria,” Darma clarified. “But anyone who has invested such huge capital deserves protection and fairness.”
He stressed that granting licences for PMS importation at this stage does not serve the national interest, especially when local capacity exists.
“The countries we import fuel from are creating jobs for their citizens, while Nigerians are denied the same opportunities,” he said.
Allegations of Systemic Issues
Darma also raised concerns about corruption within the system, claiming the issue has dragged on for nearly a year without resolution.
“We are calling for justice and fairness in all actions,” he said. “There is corruption in the system, and it must be addressed if Nigeria is serious about economic development.”
As debate over fuel importation and local refining continues, KACCIMA insists that urgent policy clarity is needed to protect investments, preserve jobs, and ensure long-term economic and national security.