The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the Federal Government following its reversal of the 15% import duty on petrol and diesel—describing the policy U-turn as yet another sign of confusion and unstable governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to the ADC, the 15% levy, if implemented, would have pushed petrol prices beyond ₦1,000 per litre, deepening the financial hardship already faced by Nigerians grappling with fuel subsidy removal, inflation, and a rapidly depreciating naira. The party noted that introducing such a levy during a period of national economic strain showed insensitivity to citizens’ suffering.
The ADC also pointed out that this marks the seventh major policy reversal in two years, arguing that it reflects poor planning and a lack of clear policy direction within the current administration. The party expressed concern that frequent flip-flops harm investor confidence, weaken economic stability, and reinforce public distrust.
While the ADC welcomed the reversal, it emphasized that government policies must be grounded in thoughtful, long-term planning—not trial-and-error approaches that jeopardize people’s livelihoods. According to the party, public office holders must prioritize citizens’ welfare above experimental decision-making that contradicts itself within weeks or months.
The ADC further questioned the logic behind imposing import duties on fuel when Nigeria’s local refining capacity remains inadequate. It cited the recent breakdown of the Port Harcourt refinery—despite billions spent on rehabilitation—as clear evidence of structural failures undermining Nigeria’s energy security.
Regarding coverage imagery, Nigerian media outlets typically feature photos of ADC leaders such as Bolaji Abdullahi, or visuals from party press briefings and protests. However, no specific image tied directly to this statement was retrieved from searches. For accurate representation, images can be sourced directly from reputable Nigerian news platforms.
