MURIC Hails FG for Suspending Fuel Importation, Urges Full Crude Supply to Local Refineries

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for suspending the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, into the country, describing the move as a bold step towards strengthening local refining capacity and achieving energy independence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the group, Ishaq Akintola, praised the government for what he described as a strategic decision that could help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to MURIC, the suspension of petrol imports follows a noticeable boost in local refining activities, particularly with the operational improvements recorded in domestic refineries. The group said the development signals a positive shift in Nigeria’s petroleum sector after decades of reliance on foreign refined products despite being a major crude oil producer.

Akintola noted that the policy could help conserve foreign exchange, strengthen the naira, and create more jobs within the country’s oil and gas sector. He added that the decision aligns with long-standing calls by stakeholders for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s local refining industry.

The Islamic human rights group, however, urged the Federal Government to go further by ensuring that 100 percent of Nigeria’s crude oil production is supplied to local refineries before any export commitments are considered.

According to the statement, prioritising local refineries with crude supply would guarantee steady production of refined products, stabilize domestic fuel availability, and reduce the recurring fuel scarcity experienced across the country.

MURIC also called for strict monitoring and transparency in the implementation of the policy to ensure that local refineries operate efficiently and that the benefits of the decision reach ordinary Nigerians.

The group expressed optimism that if properly implemented, the suspension of fuel imports and prioritisation of local refining could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer, has historically relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products due to the long-standing challenges faced by its state-owned refineries. However, recent developments in the sector have raised hopes that increased local refining capacity may significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imports.

MURIC Hails FG for Suspending Fuel Importation, Urges Full Crude Supply to Local Refineries

Iran Rules Out Participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup

Tehran, March 11, 2026 – Iran has officially announced that it will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing security concerns and strained relations with the United States.

The announcement came from Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Sports Minister, who said the current circumstances make it impossible for the national team to compete. “Given that this corrupt government has murdered our leader, there are no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali stated. “Two wars have been imposed on us in the past eight or nine months, and several thousand of our citizens have been killed. Therefore, we have no chance of participating in this way.”

Iran had qualified for the tournament, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with group stage matches set in U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle. The Iranian team was drawn into Group G, alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Iran would have been welcomed to compete, and U.S. authorities confirmed the team would have been allowed entry. However, Iran’s leadership rejected participation, citing ongoing conflict and security concerns.

The withdrawal leaves FIFA with the task of determining how to fill Iran’s spot in the tournament and adjusting the group stage schedule accordingly. Officials are expected to make an announcement in the coming days.

This marks the first time Iran has voluntarily withdrawn from a World Cup after qualifying, highlighting the growing tensions in the region amid recent military and political escalations.

Iran Rules Out Participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup

FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran, Escorts Citizens to Armenian Border

Some Nigerians have been escorted out of Iran by officials of the Federal Government through the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran as part of efforts to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

This was confirmed by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, who disclosed that Nigerian embassy officials are currently coordinating the movement of citizens willing to leave the country.

Dabiri-Erewa explained that the evacuees are being escorted from various locations in Iran to the border with Armenia, where they will await further arrangements for their return to Nigeria.

According to her, the evacuation became necessary following the escalating security situation in the region, which has raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, including Nigerians residing in Iran.

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She noted that officials of the Nigerian Embassy are working round the clock to ensure that Nigerians who wish to leave the country are safely moved out of the conflict-prone areas.

The NiDCOM boss also assured that the Federal Government is closely monitoring the situation and is collaborating with relevant authorities to facilitate the safe evacuation and eventual return of the affected citizens.

Dabiri-Erewa further stated that no Nigerian casualty had been reported so far, adding that the government remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of its citizens abroad.

The evacuation effort forms part of contingency measures being implemented by the Federal Government as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, prompting several countries to make arrangements for the evacuation of their nationals from high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, Nigerian authorities have urged citizens in the affected region to remain in contact with the Nigerian Embassy and follow official directives as the evacuation process continues.

FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran, Escorts Citizens to Armenian Border