Fuel Quality Fears: Kareem Warns Import Licences Could Flood Nigeria with Substandard Petrol
Energy expert Kareem has cautioned that issuing fresh petrol import licences could turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for low-quality fuel.
Kareem raised the concern while reacting to regulatory moves by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), urging stricter oversight of fuel imports.
According to him, without rigorous quality control measures, the country risks receiving substandard petroleum products that could damage vehicles, harm the environment, and undermine local refining efforts.
He argued that allowing large-scale importation at a time when domestic refining capacity—especially from facilities like the Dangote Refinery—is expanding could discourage investment in local production.
Kareem also stressed the need for the regulator to prioritise fuel quality standards and ensure that all imported products meet required specifications before distribution.
Industry stakeholders say the debate highlights the delicate balance between ensuring adequate fuel supply and protecting consumers from inferior products.
The warning comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, with authorities seeking to stabilise supply, pricing and quality across the market.
Source: Watchtower Media