The Yoruba Council Worldwide and the Nigeria Coalition Group have urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard calls for an extension of the 15% import duty on petroleum products.

During a protest in Lagos on Tuesday, the coalition demanded immediate implementation of the import duty and a total ban on the importation of premium motor spirit (petrol) and automotive gas oil (AGO).

The protesters argued that the measures would stimulate the economy and encourage Nigerians to establish indigenous companies. They condemned reports that some oil marketers are lobbying to delay the tariff until the end of the first quarter of 2026, calling it a “dangerous, venomous agenda” that perpetuates poverty.

A joint letter of demand was presented to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The coalition emphasized the need for government officials and oil stakeholders to prioritize feeding indigenous refineries before exporting products, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The protest, held at the entrance of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja, included participants from leading civil society organizations, NULAS, NANS, NAPS, student unions, OPC, Agbekoya, Arewa Youths, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Parliament Worldwide.

Leaders of the Nigeria Coalition Group and Yoruba Council Worldwide encouraged Nigerians to continue supporting what they described as noble causes for national growth.