A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NICOSO) has threatened to stage protests in response to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s decision to import over 1.6 billion liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The group, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned the move as “not only a policy misstep but a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s local refining capacity, harm the economy, and worsen the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.”
NICOSO outlined specific conditions that must be met, warning that failure to do so would lead to nationwide protests in Abuja and other states. The group emphasized that Nigerians must demand accountability, transparency, and policies that prioritize local industries.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, NICOSO spokesperson Tabuko Kennedy argued that importing such a large quantity of PMS would put unnecessary strain on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. “With the Naira already struggling against major currencies, this decision will only worsen the depreciation of our currency,” Kennedy said.
He added that a weaker Naira would lead to higher inflation, making everyday goods and services even less affordable for Nigerians. The cost of importing fuel, he pointed out, undermines the goal of achieving energy independence and diverts resources that could have been invested in local refineries.
Kennedy further criticized the reported substandard quality of the imported PMS, which he claimed is damaging vehicles and increasing maintenance costs for Nigerians, especially for taxi drivers and small business owners. “This poor-quality fuel is wreaking havoc on livelihoods, and it is unacceptable in a country with abundant crude oil and refining potential,” he said.
The group argued that the NNPCL’s decision to import such a large quantity of PMS undermines Nigeria’s national interests, weakens the economy, and delays the nation’s progress toward energy independence. NICOSO vowed to hold those responsible accountable, stressing that Nigerians cannot allow decisions that jeopardize the country’s future to go unchecked.
