The Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the move as wasteful, counterproductive, regressive and unpatriotic.
He said, "The Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved 830,000 tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) imports for the fourth quarter of 2026 despite ample evidence of petrol self-sufficiency in the country with the presence of local production capacity courtesy of Dangote Refinery.
"MURIC considers this move unnecessary, wasteful, counterproductive, regressive and unpatriotic. We therefore condemn it in the strongest terms.
"The licences were reportedly issued as the government seeks to bolster supply amid increasing strain in the international fuel market.
"But this excuse falls flat in the face of glaring realities in the Nigerian oil ecosystem. It is a known fact that Nigeria has not experienced a single supply glitch in the sector since Dangote Refinery began operation.
"Dangote keeps complaining that it is capable of supplying local needs. It also affirms that rising fuel imports were forcing it to export surplus petroleum products despite having the capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand.
"It confirms the saying that prophets are not appreciated by their own people. Even the Bible attests to this: 'No prophet is accepted in his hometown' (Luke 4:24). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was also initially rejected in Makkah, his hometown.
"Dangote refinery exports fuel to foreign countries, including Europe. It should be our pride. How can Nigerian petroleum authorities be importing the same fuel from outside? This is not rocket science. It is simple logic. It doesn't add up. It is laughable. NMDPRA is taking coal to Newcastle.
"We expect NMDPRA and all other government agencies in the petroleum industry to cooperate with our local refineries. The importation of refined fuel should stop forthwith."
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