The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently address the growing issue of fake fuel being imported into the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the association urged the President to take immediate action to halt the importation of tainted petroleum products, which it warned are putting the safety and well-being of Nigerians at serious risk.
Signed by the Global President of ANPE, Mr. Solomon Ola, the statement calls for an investigation into the illegal influx of substandard petroleum products into Nigeria. The group expressed concern about the potential diplomatic and economic consequences of allowing such products, particularly those of Russian origin, to enter the market.
The statement read in part:
“The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has followed developments in Nigeria’s petroleum industry with deep concern, especially in light of the dangerous claims made by some stakeholders about the safety of the products being sold in the market. ANPE strongly urges President Bola Tinubu, as the leader of the nation, to prevent Nigeria from becoming a dumping ground for adulterated, low-quality petroleum products.”
ANPE expressed alarm over recent reports indicating that tainted products, such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, are being imported into Nigeria. The products are often referred to as “fake fuel” by industry experts due to their substandard nature, which could damage vehicles and equipment, and have severe environmental and health implications.
The association warned that continuing to import such products could further burden Nigeria’s public finances, already strained by health and environmental concerns, as the country would face increased costs in addressing the resulting damage.
In addition, ANPE highlighted the potential diplomatic fallout from the importation of petroleum products sourced from Russia, which are subject to sanctions imposed by the Price Cap Coalition, including the European Union, the United States, the G7, and Australia. These sanctions restrict the sale of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products unless sold at or below $60 per barrel. ANPE noted that many of the products being imported into Nigeria violate these sanctions.
The association also criticized the importation of relatively expensive fuel into Nigeria when more affordable, quality alternatives could be sourced locally, further undermining President Tinubu’s economic policies.
The statement continued, “Nigeria has become a prime destination for European companies involved in the sale of these tainted products—products that cannot be sold in other African countries like Ghana, Benin Republic, South Africa, and others. Local collaborators in Nigeria are conspiring to push these harmful products onto the Nigerian population for financial gain.”
ANPE concluded by urging President Tinubu to take immediate action, directing relevant authorities to investigate and stop the illegal trade of tainted petroleum products, which pose a significant risk to the nation and its citizens.
