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African Economy
The federal government is set to activate a policy that will shake up the petroleum sector
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to roll out a new policy aimed at transforming the nation’s petroleum sector, in what experts are calling a potential game-changer for the industry. According to sources within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the policy—expected to be announced in the coming weeks—will address long-standing challenges in fuel subsidy management, pricing regulations, and private sector participation.
This move comes amid growing pressure on the Tinubu-led administration to stabilize the oil and gas industry, which remains Nigeria’s economic backbone. The sector has faced persistent issues such as fuel scarcity, lack of investment, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent pricing regimes. The new policy, officials say, is designed to correct systemic inefficiencies, boost transparency, and attract much-needed investment.
Nigerian billionaires to lose oil wells as FG activates revocation policy
Although full details of the policy have not been officially released, insiders hint that it may involve the implementation of full deregulation of the downstream sector, including the complete removal of fuel subsidies. The Nigerian government has long struggled with the cost of fuel subsidies, which experts estimate consume trillions of naira annually—money that could otherwise be used for development projects.
“We are moving towards a system that allows market forces to drive pricing, while still ensuring consumer protection and strategic regulation,” a senior official revealed. “The goal is to stabilize the market, end hoarding, and encourage the establishment of modular refineries and private participation.”
Industry stakeholders are watching closely, with both hope and skepticism. Some fear that removing subsidies without a strong social welfare framework could worsen the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians. However, others argue that a restructured and liberalized sector will encourage competition, improve supply chains, and eventually drive down prices.
Oil marketers and depot owners have welcomed the planned reforms, noting that a deregulated sector would help them plan better and ensure consistent availability of petroleum products across the country. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is also expected to play a new strategic role under the policy.
Analysts say the success of this bold step will depend on the government’s ability to communicate clearly, manage public expectations, and ensure that the policy is implemented fairly and transparently.
As anticipation builds, many agree that the coming shake-up may finally set the Nigerian petroleum industry on a path to long-term sustainability and growth.
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