Fuel Tariff Reversal Shows Tinubu Running Trial-and-Error Govt - ADC Blows Hot

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw its proposed 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel reinforces its view that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is operating a “trial-and-error” administration.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC 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 rising living costs.

While commending the Tinubu government for listening to the opposition’s advice, the ADC emphasised that policies must be properly thought through instead of being hastily announced and later reversed.

The party noted that this was the seventh instance in two years where a policy was announced and later withdrawn.

ADC warned that the new levy could push the pump price of petrol beyond N1,000 per litre, further burdening families, commuters, transporters, farmers, and small businesses already struggling under fuel subsidy removal 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 urged 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.”