Analyst Applauds FG for Halting 15% Fuel Import Duty, Says Decision Shields Nigerians from Hardship

|By Babatunji Wusu

Public affairs analyst and Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Ezenwa Nwagwu, has applauded the Federal Government for suspending its proposed 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel.

Nwagwu, in a statement on Monday, said the suspension delivers major relief to Nigerians who would have faced a steep rise in fuel prices had the tariff taken effect. He commended the government for “taking the right decision,” noting that the move shows that “when citizens and civic actors speak with evidence and clarity, government listens.”

He argued that the policy reversal underscores the power of evidence-based advocacy and participatory governance. According to him, sustained pressure from stakeholders likely pushed the government to reconsider the plan.

Nwagwu said halting the proposed duty will stabilise the petroleum market, slow inflationary pressure and protect citizens from further economic strain. He described the suspension as “a policy correction” and “a victory for citizens’ voices in the policy process.”