Business
NECA, MAN reject new Customs, NPA port charges hike
NECA, MAN reject new Customs levy, NPA port charges
The introduction of a fresh four per cent administrative charge on Free-on-Board (FOB) value of imports by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as well as the proposed 15 per cent increase in port charges by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have drawn the anger of employers of labour and manufacturers among other critical stakeholders.
They kicked against the new charges, warning that the move to raise government revenue target would have dire consequences on operations cost, employment capacity and prices of goods and services passed by the final consumers.
Last week, the NCS in a statement, said the directive to implement the four per cent charge was in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
It explained that the FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including the cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading, is essential for driving the effective operation of the service.
It urged all stakeholders to comply with the directive, which it said was conceived after extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders.
But the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have come out to criticise the new policies, which they noted as ill-timed and therefore called for a halt to their implementation.
For instance, NECA described the introduction of the four per cent levy by the NCS as a desperate attempt to meet its N10 trillion revenue target contained in the 2025 proposed national budget.
It said the new charges would squeeze N2.84 trillion from private businesses and increase duty paid by industries by 80 per cent.
MAN, on its part, urged the NPA to shelve the proposed 15 per cent increase in port charges, noting that it was ill-advised and signalled a departure from the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the country’s ease of doing business.
Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said in a statement that the new charges contradicted the ongoing tax reform efforts led by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, chaired by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, aimed at harmonising taxes and supporting business sustainability.
Oyerinde said, “With a revenue target of N10 trillion set for the NCS in the 2025 budget by the National Assembly, this levy appears to be a desperate attempt to meet revenue projections at the expense of businesses and ordinary Nigerians.
“While the government may achieve its revenue goals, the unintended consequences will be severe—higher costs of goods, business closures, rising unemployment, and worsening economic hardship for millions of citizens.”
The NECA leader also criticised the NCS for prioritising revenue generation over its core mandate of trade facilitation and economic development. According to him, this approach is counterproductive and directly contradicts the government’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ agenda.
NECA called for an immediate reversal of the levy and urged the government to engage with stakeholders to develop a more sustainable and business-friendly approach to revenue generation.
“Government must take urgent steps to ease the financial burden on businesses and citizens, rather than implementing policies that will worsen economic hardship and stifle business growth,” NECA said.
In his reaction to the NPA’s proposed increase of port charges by 15 per cent, Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, in a statement kicked against the hike.
He said, “Nigeria’s current economic climate is characterised by rising inflation, foreign exchange challenges, and declining industrial capacity utilisation.
“Many businesses are experiencing a worrying downturn due to unsustainable operating costs. Increasing port tariffs is therefore ill-timed and could signal a departure from the government’s avowed efforts and commitment to the ease of doing business.
“It is inevitable that this additional strain on industrial activities will ultimately lead to reduced capacity utilisation and possibly job losses.
“Furthermore, Nigeria must remain competitive in regional trade. Neighbouring countries with more efficient and cost-effective ports will become far more attractive alternatives, leading to increased cargo diversion.”
The manufacturers’ association suggested that reducing turnaround time for vessels and improving cargo clearing processes could significantly boost revenue instead of increasing port charges.
It also advised the government to address bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay cargo clearance in order to ensure faster throughput and more efficient revenue collection, adding that improving port infrastructure would enhance operational efficiency and attract more business, leading to natural revenue growth.
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Auto
Carloha Rides High, Plans New EV for Nigeria After Winning Global Honours
Carloha Rides High, Plans New EV for Nigeria After Winning Global Honours
Carloha Nigeria, the authorised dealer of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, is strengthening its position in the country’s automotive industry after clinching two prestigious global awards as it unveils plans to introduce another electric vehicle (EV) into the market.
iCAUR (iCAR) is a global youth-oriented electric vehicle brand under the Chery Group, which was developed in partnership with SmartMi Tech. The brand is focused on stylish designs and smart mobility and it is currently expanding across international markets.
Carloha Nigeria received the New Star Award and Brand Leap Contribution Award at the 2026 Chery Global Summit and Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in China. This is in recognition of its rapid market growth, brand development efforts and customer engagement initiatives.
The international recognition comes as Carloha intensifies its push into Nigeria’s growing EV space, buoyed by the positive reception of the iCAUR brand among motorists, technology enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers.
Managing Director, Sola Adigun, said the awards validate the company’s commitment to delivering world-class automotive solutions, while the growing acceptance of iCAUR reflects increasing consumer interest in innovative and sustainable mobility options.
“The Nigerian automotive market is evolving, and consumers are becoming increasingly receptive to innovation, sustainability and smart mobility solutions.
“The success of iCAUR has encouraged us to continue investing in the future of electric mobility in Nigeria,” he said.
Adigun disclosed that plans for the launch of a new EV are at an advanced stage, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to expand consumer choice and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation.
He added, “Winning these awards on the global stage is a strong endorsement of the work our team has done in building the Chery brand in Nigeria.
“It also demonstrates that Nigerian automotive businesses can compete successfully with the best across the world.”
According to him, Nigerian customers are increasingly demanding vehicles that combine intelligent safety technologies, premium comfort, fuel efficiency and modern design, noting that these qualities were prominently showcased by Chery at the Beijing exhibition.
“Beyond selling vehicles, our goal is to provide mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of Nigerian families and businesses while aligning with global trends in sustainability, innovation and customer experience,” Adigun said.
At Auto China 2026, Chery also showcased its latest safety and intelligent mobility technologies, including the all-new TIGGO V and its AiMOGA robotics innovations, under its new global brand philosophy, “For Family.”
General Manager, Felix Mahan, said the awards underscore Carloha Nigeria’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, adding that the company’s CarlohaCare 6-6-7 package continues to offer customers industry-leading aftersales support through a six-year warranty, six years of free service and a seven-day repair promise.
“This recognition reflects growing international confidence in both the Nigerian market and our ability to deliver world-class customer experience. We remain committed to making vehicle ownership easier, more affordable and more rewarding for our customers,” Mahan said.
With fresh global recognition and an expanded EV strategy, Carloha is positioning itself as one of the key players driving the future of sustainable mobility in Nigeria.

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Business
BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Announces New Petrol, Diesel Prices
BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Announces New Petrol, Diesel Prices
LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has announced fresh reductions in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, in a move that is expected to reshape pricing dynamics across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector . Information made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Saturday by a source familiar with the development showed that the refinery has lowered the gantry price of petrol by N25 per litre, bringing it down from N1,275 to N1,250 per litre . A senior Dangote Group official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development and attributed the price adjustment to the recent decline in global crude oil prices. “We have reduced the petrol price to N1,250 at our gantry. This has to do with the current reduction in global oil prices, though everything is still volatile and requires caution,” the official said .
The reduction comes as depot prices were already responding to shifting supply dynamics. Market checks by Petroleumprice.ng showed that Aiteo and NIPCO were selling petrol at N1,272 per litre, while Integrated Energy, Ascon, and African Terminal were trading around N1,274 per litre, all below Dangote Refinery’s previous gantry price of N1,275 per litre . The latest price reduction comes about three weeks after reports emerged that Dangote Refinery had increased the ex-gantry price of petrol. At the time, a credible inside source disclosed that petrol continued to sell at N1,275 per litre at the refinery, hours after reports claimed that the company had raised its petrol price by N75 amid fluctuations in global crude oil prices .
The refinery has also reduced the price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) by N100 per litre, setting the ex-depot price at N1,700 per litre, down from the previous N1,800 per litre, according to a refinery communique sighted by petroleumprice.ng effective May 27, 2026 . However, this followed a brief reduction attempt on May 26 when the refinery had adjusted diesel prices by N200 to N1,600 per litre but retracted the announcement later the same day . Industry operators said the reversal was aimed at preventing losses among marketers and ensuring a fair adjustment across the supply chain.
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Confirming the diesel price development, the National Public Relations Officer of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) , Mr. Joseph Obele, said the reduction followed the arrival of imported petroleum cargoes into the country. “Dangote Refinery recently instituted legal action after the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) approved import licences for some marketers to bring petroleum products into the country,” Obele said . “Over the weekend, some of the vessels carrying imported products reportedly arrived, and shortly after, the refinery reduced the gantry price of diesel from N1,800 to N1,600 per litre” . He described the development as a direct result of market rivalry: “All hail competition and say no to monopoly in the petroleum industry. The more the competition, the better prices consumers will enjoy” .
The development comes amid an ongoing dispute over the issuance and renewal of import licences by the NMDPRA to marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Industry observers say the timing of the diesel price cut is significant, as the new selling price from Dangote Refinery competes directly with imported products . Industry analysts said the diesel price cut could ease transportation and logistics costs if sustained, especially for manufacturers and businesses heavily dependent on diesel-powered operations .
Falling crude oil prices have strengthened market expectations of lower refined product prices. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, has declined amid reports that the United States and Iran were close to reaching a ceasefire agreement . The easing of tensions between the two countries immediately impacted the oil market, with traders reacting positively to expectations of improved crude supply and reduced geopolitical risks in the Middle East . Despite the reductions at the refinery gate, checks indicate that retail prices have remained largely unchanged in many parts of the country, with several filling stations still dispensing petrol at prices above N1,350 per litre . Industry observers say the gap between ex-depot and retail prices may persist for some time as marketers work through existing stock purchased at higher rates before implementing any fresh pricing changes . The latest cuts come as competition continues to grow within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector following the removal of fuel subsidies and the full deregulation of the market.
BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Announces New Petrol, Diesel Prices
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Auto
FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja
FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to deepen the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria with the commissioning of a high-capacity refuelling station in Abuja capable of serving more than 1,100 vehicles daily.
The newly inaugurated facility, developed by Rolling Energy Limited in partnership with the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), is located in Jahi, Abuja, and is expected to significantly boost access to cleaner and more affordable transportation energy.
The project forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, reduce reliance on petrol and diesel, and accelerate the transition to cleaner fuel alternatives under the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG).
The High Capacity CNG Daughter Booster Station has a sales capacity of 1,000 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) per hour, supported by two CNG tube skids with a combined storage capacity of 17,000 SCM.
The station also features a Mass Conversion Centre staffed by trained technicians and equipped with conversion kits capable of converting up to 20 vehicles and 25 tricycles daily, providing practical support for motorists and commercial operators seeking to switch to gas-powered transportation.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Friday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the project as a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive to deepen gas utilisation and strengthen access to affordable energy solutions.
Ekpo said the facility would play a strategic role in supporting the nationwide rollout of CNG adoption, particularly as the government continues efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs following the removal of petrol subsidy.
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He said, “Facilities such as this are essential for building the backbone infrastructure required to support widespread CNG penetration in Nigeria.”
The minister commended Rolling Energy Limited and MDGIF for delivering the project, describing it as one of four strategic gas infrastructure projects currently being commissioned across the country.
According to him, similar projects by Ibile Oil and Gas, Portland Energy and Femadec are also being commissioned in Lagos and Owerri, signalling increased private sector confidence in the Federal Government’s gas commercialisation agenda.
Ekpo said the projects align with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, launched to leverage Nigeria’s estimated 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves to drive industrialisation, transportation reform, economic diversification and long-term energy security.
The minister noted that expanding gas infrastructure remains central to President Bola Tinubu’s energy transition agenda, which aims to provide Nigerians with cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels.
Stakeholders in the energy sector have welcomed the development, noting that improved CNG station availability is crucial to encouraging wider adoption among private motorists, commercial transport operators and industrial users.
Analysts also say the establishment of more conversion centres and refuelling stations will help address one of the biggest barriers to mass CNG adoption — inadequate infrastructure.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting private-sector-led investments to ensure that CNG refuelling stations become accessible across major cities and transport corridors nationwide.
FG Deepens CNG Expansion with 1,100-Vehicle Capacity Gas Station in Abuja
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