The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has approved import licences for 830,000 tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the fourth quarter of 2026. Six companies received the permits: Matrix Energy, AA Rano, AYM Shafa, NIPCO, Pinnacle Oil and Bono Energy. The allocation matches the third quarter’s approvals. It marks the fourth consecutive quarterly increase this year. The six companies split 180,000 tonnes in the first quarter, 720,000 tonnes in the second, and over 800,000 tonnes in the third.
Nigeria has historically depended on imported petrol because state refineries failed. The $20 billion Dangote Refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, was meant to end that dependence. In 2024, the refinery began operations. It has since ramped up production. Yet imports continue. The tension between domestic refining and import licences is not new. The Petroleum Industry Act states that imports should only occur when domestic supply is insufficient.
NMDPRA spokesperson George Ene-Ita said the approvals ensure no supply gaps heading into the end of the year. The licences were issued on 18 September. Dangote Refinery has challenged the import licences in court. The refinery argues that continued imports undercut a facility built to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. The case returns to the Federal High Court on 7 October. Meanwhile, data shows domestic refineries covered about 76.7% of petrol supply in the first quarter. Imports dropped 60% year-on-year to near 965.5 million litres. The trajectory favours local output, but the regulator wants a buffer. Industry analysts say the tension is structural. The regulator wants supply security. The refiner wants market share. The court will decide.
Winners: The six importers, who gain access to the market. NMDPRA, which maintains a supply buffer. Consumers, if supply remains stable. Losers: Dangote Refinery, whose market share is diluted. Domestic refiners, who face import competition. Taxpayers, if import costs weaken the naira.
Bottom Line: The regulator approved more imports. Dangote went to court. The case returns on 7 October. Nigeria wants supply security and domestic refining. The two are in tension.