CLAIM: “NNPC imported PMS in 2025, contradicting government promises to end fuel imports.”
RATING: FALSE
Recently, a news report was published on some platforms claiming that a player in the refining sector had imported large volumes of PMS into the country. The regulator, NMDPRA, held a press conference to clarify these claims. NMDPRA is responsible for licensing all production and imports into the country as well as monitoring supply. It is also tasked with ensuring Nigeria can meet its fuel sufficiency targets at any point in time
THE FACTS: HAS AN REFINERY-OWNING OMC (OIL MARKETING COMPANY) IMPORTED PMS THIS YEAR?
NO! At a press briefing on, the NMDPRA clarified that “None of the OMCs that own refineries in the country have imported any PMS this year.
CHECKING THE FACTS – NNPC, as a refinery-owning OMC, falls under this category and has not imported PMS into Nigeria in 2025 as at the time of the Press conference. Neither has Dangote Refinery. Both refineries currently are only able to supply less than 50% of the PMS needs in Nigeria whilst they ramp up their production and efficiency.
WHAT DOES THE PIA 2021 Framework SAY?
The PIA 2021 guarantees market liberalisation. What this means is that any player duly licensed by the regulators can – in the event of scarcity or a shortfall, apply to be licensed to import.
According to Ogbugo Ukoha at the press conference, “Licensed operators, including refineries, are permitted to import products to meet national demand. This ensures sufficiency and prevents scarcity. Only independent OMCs (non-refinery owners) currently import PMS to address the <50% domestic production shortfall.”
CURRENT DATA
Current Supply Context:
• Daily PMS Demand: ~50 million litres (down from 66 million pre-subsidy).
• Local Refineries: Currently contribute less than 50% of supply; modular and private refineries are scaling production.
• Imports: Independent OMCs currently bridge the gap under NMDPRA oversight.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Misinformation about PMS import activities undermines public confidence in the PIA’s market-driven reforms. The NMDPRA reiterates that all import data is publicly verifiable through accredited channels.
