The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has claimed credit for the Federal Government’s decision to abandon plans to impose a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel, describing the reversal as further proof that the Tinubu administration is “experimenting with governance.”
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC recalled its October 31st, 2025 warning that the proposed tariff would worsen hardships caused by subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and rising living costs.
The party said, “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.”
Abdullahi commended the government for listening to opposition voices but questioned the consistency of its policymaking.
“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,” he said.
The ADC also criticised the government for proposing tariffs without first ensuring local fuel production capacity.
“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.
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“What has become clear, however, is that President Tinubu is running a government of trial and error that is merely experimenting and bumbling through,” the statement added.
Highlighting contradictory messages from government agencies, Abdullahi said, “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.
“This shows a government that is confused, unsure, and dangerously working at cross purposes. Nigerians deserve better.”
The ADC concluded by urging the government to approach policy-making responsibly, emphasising,
“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,” it said.
First Daily reports that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority confirmed the suspension of the 15 per cent ad-valorem duty on petrol and diesel, on Thursday, November 13.
Its Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, said the levy was “no longer in view and not implementable at this time,” adding that the decision had presidential approval