A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to approve a 15 percent ad-valorem import duty on petrol and diesel, saying the policy will deepen the economic hardship already facing Nigerians.
Speaking in reaction to the new tariff, Chief Emami described the move as ill-timed and insensitive, given the current cost-of-living crisis and the struggles of ordinary citizens to cope with high prices of goods and transportation.
He urged the Federal Government to reconsider the policy, warning that the additional duty will inevitably raise fuel prices, increase inflation, and worsen the financial burden on households and small businesses.
According to him, rather than imposing new levies, the government should focus on reviving local refineries and improving energy infrastructure to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.
“The people are already suffering. Adding a 15 percent tariff on fuel imports will only make things worse,” Emami said. “This policy does not reflect the reality of what Nigerians are going through.”
The APC stalwart also called on lawmakers and stakeholders within the ruling party to advocate for relief measures that can cushion the impact of current economic challenges.
