A coalition of civil-society organisations, CSOs, under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Rights Activists, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving a 15 percent import duty on refined petroleum products.

In a statement on Sunday, the CSOs described the policy as a watershed decision in the annals of Nigeria’s history, noting that it will finally put an end to the dumping of sub-standard fuel and the perennial scarcity that has plagued the nation for decades.

Convener of the coalition, Mr Agabi Emmanuel, noted that the tariff is not a revenue-grab but a “strategic lever” to shield Nigeria’s budding domestic refineries from predatory under-pricing by foreign importers.

“This 15% duty will stop the flood of fake, adulterated products that have destroyed engines, polluted our air and endangered lives.

“It will also guarantee steady supply because local refineries — Dangote, Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna — will now run at full throttle without fear of being undercut by smuggled or below-cost imports,” Emmanuel said.

The coalition further insisted that short-term price adjustments are a small price to pay for long-term energy sovereignty.

The CSOs dismissed critics who labelled the policy “pro-monopoly,” stressing that regulatory safeguards already exist to prevent any single player from dominating the market.

“This is about structural transformation, not favoritism,” Emmanuel said while urging the National Assembly to fast-track social compensation packages, including targeted tax relief and cash transfers to cushion vulnerable households.

It also called on the Presidency to publish a transparent implementation timetable and revenue-allocation framework within 14 days.

The CSOs also appealed to opposition parties to join hands with President Tinubu to bury the subsidy ghost forever.

“History will judge those who choose partisan point-scoring over national rebirth,” Emmanuel said.

The CSOs invited the World Bank, AfDB and technical agencies to provide concessional loans and training to maximise the policy’s benefits.

They hailed President Tinubu as a “compassionate leader who truly cares for his people”.

“Nigerians, remain patient, remain vigilant, remain engaged. From dependence to dignity — that is the promise of this 15% tariff,” the statement added.

15% tariff on fuel imports will end dumping of fake products, scarcity in Nigeria – CSO