The World Bank has taken down its April 2026 Nigeria Development Update from its website, days after the report advised the Federal Government to maintain the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to stabilise fuel supply.

The report, which was released earlier in the week, is no longer accessible on the bank’s website, raising questions about the shift in its policy stance.

In a follow-up statement, the World Bank indicated that its earlier recommendation on fuel imports may no longer be fully applicable, pointing to changing global energy conditions.

“Given current global energy supply disruptions, such a recommendation may run counter to efforts that countries around the world are undertaking to ensure their energy and national security,” the institution said.

The bank added that, in Nigeria’s case, priority should be given to supporting vulnerable populations through effective social safety net programmes, noting its readiness to expand existing assistance.

It also reaffirmed that transitioning to a competitive PMS retail market remains a key long-term policy goal, but stressed that such reforms must be implemented gradually and in a well-structured manner to ensure product quality and market stability.

The World Bank further acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and private sector players to maintain fuel availability and shield consumers and businesses from supply shocks, warning that poorly executed reforms could have unintended consequences.

Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector has been undergoing major changes since the removal of fuel subsidies, a move that has tied domestic fuel prices more closely to global oil market trends.

While initiatives to boost local refining capacity are in progress, fuel imports continue to play a significant role in meeting national demand.

Global geopolitical tensions have also disrupted energy supply chains, complicating policy decisions and intensifying concerns around fuel pricing and availability.

The World Bank maintained that reforms in the sector should strike a balance between market efficiency and consumer protection, emphasising the need for strong regulatory oversight and enforcement of standards.

Concerns over Nigeria’s social protection systems persist. In earlier assessments, the World Bank noted that many vulnerable Nigerians remain outside the reach of existing programmes, while the International Monetary Fund has similarly highlighted gaps in the country’s capacity to cushion the impact of economic reforms.

The report’s removal reflects the sensitivity of policy guidance amid evolving global energy dynamics and domestic economic pressures.