Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, NCCSO, has faulted the directive of the federal government’s deferment of the 15% import duty on premium motor spirit (PMS) and diesel to the first quarter of 2026 describing it as strategic move to strangulate local refineries and also victory for foreign fuel importers and their local collaborators.

NCCSO expressed this displeasure on Thursday in press statement issued in Abuja by its National Spokesperson, Comrade Mustapha Ahmed, saying the deferment to first quarter of 2026 must be wrong and should be totally discouraged, with no further extensions.

They said the government must resist pressures from international traders and uphold its commitment to energy independence, calling on all relevant agencies to monitor imports to prevent market distortion during the deferment period.

According to the coalition, “The deferment is a temporary win for importers but a setback for Nigeria’s refining future. President Bola Tinubu must remain resolute and protect Nigeria’s local industries from external manipulation”, NCCSO said.

The statement further reads: “The NCCSO expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s decision to defer the commencement of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Diesel to the first quarter of 2026, as contained in the memo approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on November 7, 2025.

“While the decision is presented as an administrative adjustment for “technical alignment,” it is in fact a strategic victory for foreign fuel importers and their local collaborators, whose agenda is to keep Nigeria dependent on imported products and frustrate the growth of local refineries such as Dangote Refinery and other modular plants ready for operation.

“The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), led by Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Ph.D., had earlier proposed the levy to promote local refining, stabilize market prices, and ensure competitive balance — in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. However, this deferment gives importers time to flood the market with imported fuel, thereby undermining local production and discouraging investment”.

A significant legal controversy has emerged surrounding the orders issued by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu on October 25, 2025, in the ongoing case between Nestoil and FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025. The case has drawn intense scrutiny as the First Charge Holders—Glencore Energy UK Limited, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mauritius Commercial Bank, and African Finance Corporation—seek to have the Ex-parte orders granted to Nestoil overturned.

The First Charge Holders argue that the orders, which allow Nestoil to appoint a receiver/manager over the assets of the Defendants, were obtained under false pretenses. They claim that the orders unlawfully restrict their ability to manage their financial interests, particularly with regard to the 2nd Defendant, Neconde Energy Limited. In response, the Senior Lenders filed a motion on November 6, 2025, requesting to join the suit and have the Ex-parte orders of October 25 set aside.

In a detailed 335-page affidavit, the First Charge Holders contend that the orders were granted without full disclosure of critical facts. They accuse the Plaintiffs of misrepresenting the situation to the court and sought the removal of Mr. Abubakar Sulu-Gambari, the appointed receiver/manager, claiming the appointment was based on fraudulent information. The affidavit further highlights that Neconde’s interest in OML 42 had already been pledged as collateral to secure loans from the First Charge Holders, and therefore, the Plaintiffs should not have been allowed to include these assets in their motion without consent.

Despite these objections, Justice Dipeolu issued orders that impacted Neconde’s assets, including its interest in OML 42, even though the First Charge Holders did not authorize any additional charges. This has led to questions about the legal grounds for such far-reaching orders, particularly given that no formal debenture or charge document was presented by the Plaintiffs to justify their claims on the 2nd Defendant’s assets.

The situation has escalated further as the Plaintiffs, through their Ex-parte motion, sought approval for the involvement of the police, Navy, and DSS in the enforcement of the orders. These measures, which included the seizure of crude oil and Neconde’s assets in OML 42, have drawn widespread criticism for their excessive nature, with experts warning that they could severely harm the Defendants’ business operations.

Legal professionals have referenced previous Supreme Court rulings, such as in the ECOBANK vs. Honeywell Flour Mills case, which cautioned against granting Ex-parte orders without sufficient evidence. The Court had ruled that asset-freezing orders should only be granted when there is clear evidence that the defendant is likely to dissipate or hide assets.

As the controversy continues to unfold, there are increasing calls for the National Judicial Council to investigate Justice Dipeolu’s conduct in the case. Allegations of bias and judicial overreach have raised concerns about the fairness of the Ex-parte orders, with many questioning whether they were granted in accordance with proper legal procedures. This case is set to become a crucial point of reference for future discussions on judicial discretion and the use of Ex-parte orders in commercial litigation in Nigeria.

…Groups commend his exceptional leadership and reforms at FIRS

A coalition of nine Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has tendered a public and unreserved apology to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, after new findings and clarifications cleared him of all allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office earlier circulated during a protest.

The apology followed a recent protest by the Coalition of Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations for Development (COCSOD) at the National Assembly, where the group had accused top FIRS officials of financial misconduct. After a thorough review and verification of their claims, the coalition acknowledged that the allegations were unfounded and based on unverified information.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the leaders of the CSOs expressed deep regret over the embarrassment caused to Dr Adedeji, his family, and the FIRS as an institution, noting that the earlier protest was misguided.

The statement was jointly signed by: Dr. Emeka Mbonu, President, Organisation of Young Entrepreneurs in Nigeria; Chief (Mrs) Osondu Chinelo, Convener, Citizens Right International; Dr. Oluaseun Ayotomiwa, National Coordinator, Advocacy for Good Governance; Amb. Eyitayo Olukayode, Coordinator, Centre for Leadership and Educational Development; Hajia Zainabu Mohammed, Convener, Africa Patriotic Development Mission

Others are, Dr. Usman Aliyu Yahaya, Executive Director, Zero Tolerance and Anti-Corruption Network; Princess Doubra Abadi-Ingobo, Coordinator, Network Against Poverty in Africa Campaign; Eduvie Samuel Efe, Executive Director, Campaign Against Corruption International; and Comrade Otokpa Echechofu Philip, Convener, Network for Advancement of Democracy in Africa.

“We have now confirmed that the information we relied upon during the protest was inaccurate and not properly verified,” the coalition stated.

“We sincerely apologise to Dr Zacch Adedeji for any harm, embarrassment, or misunderstanding caused by the claims in the protest statement. We equally commend his exemplary leadership, integrity, and the reforms he has championed at the FIRS.”

Since assuming office over two years ago, Dr Zacch Adedeji has repositioned the Federal Inland Revenue Service as a model of transparency, innovation, and professionalism. His tenure has been defined by visionary reforms, fiscal discipline, and the digital transformation of Nigeria’s tax system.

Under his leadership, the FIRS has consistently surpassed its revenue targets. In 2023, it generated ₦12.36 trillion against a target of ₦11.55 trillion, and in 2024, the agency collected ₦21.7 trillion, exceeding its ₦19.7 trillion projection. Between September 2023 and August 2025, the Service realised ₦46 trillion in total tax revenue, representing 115 per cent of its combined targets.

These achievements were driven by innovative reforms, enhanced staff productivity, and the introduction of technology-driven tax solutions that improved compliance and reduced leakages.

Under Adedeji’s leadership, the FIRS launched several digital tools, including TaxPro-Max, e-Invoicing, and USSD tax payment services, automating over 80 per cent of manual processes and simplifying taxpayer engagement.

He also introduced the National Single Window Project, which harmonises government revenue processes and enhances trade facilitation at ports. In addition, the creation of One-Stop-Shop offices nationwide has improved accessibility and reduced bottlenecks for taxpayers.

Dr Adedeji’s management style is anchored on service, accountability, and inclusion. He prioritises taxpayer satisfaction, vendor relations, and staff welfare, creating a culture of transparency and excellence within the Service.

“We are committed to fair tax administration through responsive and accessible service to optimise revenue for national development,” Dr Adedeji has consistently affirmed.

Beyond meeting revenue goals, Dr Adedeji has focused on increasing Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10.8 per cent to 18 per cent, aligning it with the African average. His administration has also strengthened non-oil revenue streams, reduced dependence on crude oil, and enhanced the country’s economic resilience through data-driven fiscal strategies.

The coalition appreciated Nigerians for their understanding and reaffirmed its dedication to promoting accountability and justice. It also pledged that its future advocacy efforts would be guided strictly by verified and factual information.

“We now clearly recognise that Dr Adedeji’s leadership of the FIRS has been one of integrity, innovation, and excellence. We hereby withdraw our earlier claims in their entirety and extend our sincere apology to him and the institution he leads,” the statement concluded.

As Dr Zacch Adedeji continues his reform-focused stewardship at the FIRS, many Nigerians and development stakeholders have commended his tenure as a shining example of effective public service and transparent governance.