ADC condemns Tinubu’s 15% fuel import duty, calling it insensitive and harmful to struggling Nigerians, urging immediate withdrawal of the levy

ADC condemns fuel import duty introduced by President Bola Tinubu, describing the policy as insensitive, misguided, and harmful to millions of Nigerians already facing economic hardship.

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In a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that the newly approved 15% import duty on petrol and diesel could further worsen inflation and push fuel prices above ₦1,000 per litre.

The party said the Tinubu administration’s approach to economic reform had become increasingly detached from the reality of citizens’ suffering, arguing that “any economic growth that condemns the majority to hardship and misery is ultimately destructive.”

According to government documents made public this week, the President approved the new tariff under a “market-responsive import framework” designed to protect local refineries and stabilise the downstream oil sector.

However, the ADC said such justification was hollow given the failure of the Port Harcourt refinery, which collapsed just five months after a $1.5 billion repair, leading to a reported ₦366.2 billion loss.

“This fuel tax is both insensitive and misguided. Nigerians are already suffocating under the weight of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.

“If this policy stands, it will make life unbearable for families, commuters, farmers, and small businesses already struggling to survive.”

The ADC accused the government of pursuing what it called a “trial-and-error” economic model that prioritises fiscal targets over citizens’ welfare.

It said: “While the government continues to boast of economic progress, the cost of food, rent, transport, and education keeps rising beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. This import duty will only deepen their suffering.”

The opposition party demanded the immediate reversal of the levy, saying the government had no moral right to impose such a tax when it could not run its own refineries effectively.

“If the goal is energy security and domestic refining, there must first be transparent investment in local capacity,” the statement added. “Until then, taxing fuel imports is simply punishing the people for the government’s failure.”

The ADC concluded by warning that Nigeria’s fragile economy could not withstand another wave of price shocks, urging President Tinubu to “listen to the cries of the people before it is too late.”

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With the fuel import duty now in effect, analysts warn of a ripple impact on transport fares and commodity prices a development many Nigerians fear could further erode their already stretched incomes.