The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, describing the move as insensitive, ill-timed, and detrimental to the welfare of Nigerians already struggling with rising fuel prices and the high cost of living.
In a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that the new petroleum import levy would further burden citizens and businesses still reeling from fuel subsidy removal and naira devaluation.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply concerned by the recent decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel,” the statement read.
“Coming at a time when Nigerians are suffocating under the weight of Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ this fuel tax is both insensitive and misguided.”
The ADC accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of ignoring the economic realities of the people, adding that such a policy could push petrol prices above ₦1,000 per litre, worsening inflation and transportation costs for families, commuters, farmers, and small businesses.
The opposition party also questioned the government’s justification that the import duty was meant to protect domestic fuel production, calling the argument “misplaced and deceptive.”
It cited the Port Harcourt refinery, which reportedly suffered a ₦366.2 billion loss only five months after a $1.5 billion rehabilitation project, as evidence that the local refining strategy has failed to deliver results.
“A government that cannot run its own refineries has no business taxing those who keep the country running with their sweat and blood,” the statement added.
The ADC called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the import duty, insisting that policies designed to attract private investment in the energy sector must also prioritize citizens’ welfare.
“If the government continues with this latest tax attack, it will further compound the people’s suffering,” the statement said. “Economic patriotism cannot be enforced through pain.”
According to the party, the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms have been “insensitive to the suffering of ordinary Nigerians,” stressing that economic growth that excludes the masses is unsustainable and destructive.
The ADC maintained that if the government truly seeks energy security and domestic refining, it must first ensure transparent investment in local refining capacity.
“Until then,” it noted, “any tax imposed to discourage imports will only make Nigerians pay more for fuel—of which imports still account for over 60% of supply.”
With the fuel import duty controversy deepening public frustration, the ADC’s statement adds to growing criticism of the Tinubu government’s handling of the economy. Analysts warn that unless the government addresses the root causes of Nigeria’s energy and currency crises, more citizens will continue to fall below the poverty line.
