The Federal Government has approved import licences for 720,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), issued to six fuel marketers amid ongoing debate over Nigeria’s refining capacity and fuel supply strategy.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) confirmed the approvals, which were granted to NIPCO, AA Rano, Matrix Energy, Shafa, Pinnacle, and Bono.

Under the allocation, AA Rano and Matrix Energy will each import 150,000 metric tonnes. NIPCO, Shafa, and Pinnacle were each allotted 120,000 metric tonnes, while Bono received 60,000 metric tonnes.

The decision comes at a time when authorities have repeatedly pointed to improved domestic refining especially from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a reason Nigeria should rely less on imported fuel. Earlier statements from the regulator suggested import licences were no longer being issued in the first quarter of 2026 due to sufficient local production.

However, a senior NMDPRA official clarified that fuel importation was never stopped, stressing that Nigeria’s supply strategy depends on both local refining and imports to maintain stability and avoid shortages.

The official said the regulator’s focus remains ensuring energy security, adding that combining domestic output with imports helps keep the market stable.

The development has reignited discussions within the petroleum sector, where stakeholders continue to debate how importation affects local refiners and long-term investment in Nigeria’s refining industry.