FIRS Chairman Adedeji Assures Naira-For-Crude Policy Is Intact, Gives Update

The Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, who doubles as the Chairman of the Technical Subcommittee on Naira-for- Crude-sale, has assured that the policy is intact.

He gave the assurance against the backdrop of reports insinuating that the policy had been scrapped.

In a statement signed by him, he said it was expedient as the committee driving the implementation of this laudable initiative, to provide an update on the Federal Executive Council initiative and confirm that the “Naira-Based Domestic Sales Framework Remains in Place.”

According to him, “The policy framework enabling the sale of crude oil in naira for domestic refining remains in force. The initiative was designed to ensure supply stability and optimize the utilisation of local refining capacity.

“There has been no decision at the policy level to discontinue this approach nor is it being considered. After implementing the policy for some months, evidence abounds that it is the right way to go and it will continue to help the economy.

“Local Refineries Have Not Been Excluded from Domestic Crude Supply

“The engagement process for crude oil supply to domestic refineries therefore remains in place by structured agreements, balancing factors such as availability, demand, and market conditions.

“There is no exclusion of local refineries from access to domestic crude. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is actively ensuring compliance with the Domestic Crude Oil Obligations provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

“The Initiative Supports Competitive Pricing and Market Efficiency

“The framework for domestic crude transactions is designed to promote a competitive and efficient pricing environment.

“The Committee Continues Its Work on Strengthening Implementation

“We remain committed to ensuring the efficient execution of this initiative in line with its core objectives – enhancing local refining, reducing foreign exchange exposure, and stabilising the domestic fuel supply.”

Adedeji noted that the Committee’s attention was drawn to reports doing the rounds and suggesting that the naira-based crude oil supply arrangement with local refineries has been discontinued, forcing the domestic refineries to rely solely on international crude purchases.

“These reports do not reflect the realities of the ongoing work under the Federal Executive Council Initiative on Domestic Sales of Crude Oil and Refined Products in Naira”, he asserted.