Withdraw the 15% Fuel Import Duty Now, Says African Democratic Congress to Bola Tinubu
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a firm stand against the recent approval by President Tinubu of a 15 % import duty on petrol and diesel. The party described the levy as “insensitive and misguided”, arguing that it will further burden Nigerians already struggling with skyrocketing living costs.
ADC’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement issued on Friday, underscored that although the party supports private-sector investment in refining and energy infrastructure, any policy meant to protect domestic production must not disregard the welfare of ordinary citizens.
According to reports, the 15 % tariff, approved via presidential memo on 21 October 2025, will be applied to imported petroleum products and is expected to raise the landing cost per litre by approximately ₦99.72, potentially pushing the pump price beyond ₦1,000 for some consumers. The ADC warned that the duty comes at a time when Nigerians are grappling with the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange-rate instability, and high inflation — making the policy potentially “a further push towards collapse” for small businesses, farmers, transporters and everyday households.
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The timing: The duty was approved while the cost-of-living crisis remains acute.
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The aim: Though the government says the duty supports domestic refining capacity, critics argue it instead favours market dominance by one entity.
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The demand: The ADC is calling for immediate withdrawal of the duty and a refocus on policies that shield citizens rather than penalise them.
The call from the ADC adds to growing public unease over the downstream petroleum reforms and the transparency of the government’s strategy for fuel imports and domestic refining.
