Tank farm operators under the Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farms Owners of Nigeria (JETFON) have urged the federal government to stop issuing new petrol import licences, saying the move could hurt local fuel production and slow down investment in Nigeria’s refining sector.

In a statement issued by the group’s Executive Secretary, Olayiwola Temitope, the association said allowing continued importation of petrol weakens domestic refining efforts and reduces the value of major investments such as the Dangote Refinery.

The group argued that Nigeria should depend more on locally refined fuel instead of imports, adding that stronger local production would improve energy security and help stabilise the economy.

JETFON also warned that relying heavily on imported fuel exposes the country to global supply disruptions, shipping delays, and foreign exchange pressure, which can further affect the naira.

According to the association, prioritising local refining would help Nigeria build a more stable and self-sufficient fuel supply system.

The call comes amid ongoing disputes in the downstream petroleum sector over recent import licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). While some industry players support the licences, others have challenged them, saying they conflict with efforts to boost local refining.

The issue is also linked to a legal battle involving the Dangote Refinery, which has taken the federal government to court over what it sees as policy inconsistency on fuel imports.

Stakeholders remain divided on whether Nigeria should fully prioritise local refining or continue to balance it with imports to ensure steady fuel supply.