The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed credit for the Federal Government’s reversal of its plan to impose a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the abandoned policy as further evidence that the Tinubu administration is not sure of its decisions and is merely experimenting with governance.
The party recalled its October 31st, 2025 statement in which it warned the Federal Government that the proposed tariff would deepen the hardship already created by subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and soaring living costs.
ADC commended the Tinubu government for listening to the opposition’s advice, but said that it was time the government started thinking through its policies before rushing to make pronouncements only to reverse itself shortly afterwards.
The full statement read: “Following our statement issued on October 31st, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is pleased to note that the Federal Government has heeded our call to reverse its ill-conceived decision to impose a 15 percent import duty on imported petrol and diesel products.
“While we welcome the decision of the government to reverse itself on the wrong-headed policy, we are concerned that this reversal is about the seventh occasion in two years where this government would announce a policy or decision and immediately reverse itself.
“As we noted in our statement reacting to the planned tariff, the “new levy is likely to push the pump price of petrol beyond N1,000 per litre. If this happens, life would become even more unbearable for families, commuters, transporters, farmers, and small businesses already struggling under the weight of fuel subsidy removal without social protection and currency devaluation without safeguards.”
“We also queried why the government was contemplating taxing imported fuel without first ensuring local capacity for production.
“We find it quite interesting that these are the very reasons the government has given for reversing itself, which makes us wonder if any critical thinking and impact analysis happens in this government. What has become clear, however, is that President Tinubu is running a government of trial and error that is merely experimenting and bumbling through.
“It is even more disturbing to see different agencies and officials of government singing discordant tunes on the same issue, as evidenced in their explanations for the tariff reversal. While one agency announced that the implementation of the policy was merely postponed, another said that it was no longer in view. This shows a government that is confused, unsure, and dangerously working at cross purposes. Nigerians deserve better.
“We urge the Tinubu government to realise that public office is a responsibility, not a laboratory. The ADC will continue to stand firmly with Nigerians and speak out against any decision that threatens their wellbeing.”
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