The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has told the Federal Government that its decision to suspend the implementation of a 15 percent tax on imported fuel was inimical to economic growth.
The Islamic human rights group said this in a statement issued by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Friday.
Akintola said: “The Federal Government (FG) has suspended the 15% tariff on imported fuel (https://www.naijanews.com/2025/11/13/just-in-fg-suspends-15-import-tax-on-petrol/).
“The suspension was announced yesterday, Thursday 13th November, 2025 by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“In our humble opinion, this suspension is ill-advised, badly timed and in bad taste. It is inimical to Nigeria’s economic growth and self-reliance.
“While we appreciate several economic reforms embarked upon by FG which are bold and visionary, we are constrained to single out the suspension of the 15% import tax for scrutiny and review
“Coming at a time when the country is just beginning to reap the fruits of the existence of an indigenous oil refinery, the suspension can only be described as ill-timed.
“By churning out 1.4 million barrels per day, the existing local refinery can meet the local oil demand which is around 48 million to 52 million liters. Nigeria must allow local industries to flourish. We must equally encourage local investors so that they can multiply. Dangote Refinery is one of such. We strongly believe that its growth will embolden other local business tycoons to come into the picture.
“MURIC strongly appeals to FG to reconsider the suspension of the 15% tariff on imported fuel. The country stands to gain immensely from blocking further importation of goods that we already have in abundance.
“We have a lot to learn from countries like China and Singapore whose leaders locked up their borders for decades to allow local industries to thrive.”
