Petroleum marketers and energy experts have rejected recent advice from the World Bank suggesting Nigeria should prioritise petrol imports, saying the country should instead strengthen local refining led by the Dangote Refinery.

The debate followed the Bank’s Nigeria Development Update released on April 7, which indicated that imported fuel could be cheaper than locally refined products. The position triggered reactions across the downstream sector. Shortly after, the report was removed from the Bank’s website, with a clarification that the comments were part of a wider reform discussion tied to consumer protection and social support – not a direct push for fuel importation.

Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said encouraging imports at this stage could discourage investment in Nigeria’s refining capacity.

Eche Idoko, spokesperson of the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria, also faulted the idea, warning that reliance on imports could expose the country to lower-quality fuel.

In contrast, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria said allowing imports could improve competition in the deregulated market.

Energy consultant Dr. Tim Okon argued that Nigeria should focus on building a flexible domestic supply system rather than depending on foreign markets. He noted that the country’s borrowing from international lenders often gives them influence in local policy discussions.

Okon added that a stable market can be achieved by offering different fuel grades at varying prices to suit consumers, instead of turning to imports.

Similarly, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, urged marketers and the government to prioritise locally refined petrol. He said the Dangote facility presents a long-awaited opportunity for Nigeria to refine its crude at scale.

Maigandi disclosed that petrol from the refinery sells for about ₦1,200 per litre, with depot prices slightly higher, and maintained that the product is competitively priced and of good quality.

He warned that returning to large-scale imports could weaken Nigeria’s economic prospects and undermine efforts to build a self-sustaining refining sector.