Group Lauds Suspension of 15% Fuel Import Tariff

The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has commended the Federal Government for suspending the proposed 15 per cent import tariff on petrol (PMS) and diesel, describing the move as a major victory for evidence-based advocacy and participatory governance.

The Federal Government announced the suspension on Thursday following growing concerns that the tariff would distort market competition, trigger a spike in fuel prices, and worsen economic hardship for citizens.

Earlier in the week, PAACA had urged the government to halt the tariff proposal, arguing that with Nigeria’s local refining capacity still below 50 per cent of national demand, imposing such a tariff risked creating artificial scarcity and strengthening the dominance of a single private player in the petroleum market—contrary to the broader goals of deregulation.

Reacting to the government’s latest decision, PAACA’s executive director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, praised the move, noting that it showed the effectiveness of civic engagement in influencing public policy.

“We commend the Federal Government for taking the right decision by suspending the tariff proposal,” Nwagwu said.

“This shows that when citizens and civic actors speak with evidence and clarity, government listens. It is also a reminder that participatory governance works

PAACA views this decision as a positive demonstration of responsive governance and a validation of civic engagement in shaping public policy.

Nwagwu said he believes that the timely intervention of PAACA, alongside pressure from other concerned stakeholders, may have contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the policy.

“Government’s decision to suspend the tariff is not just a policy correction but a validation of citizens’ voices in the governance process,” Nwagwu added.

He added that PAACA will continue to engage government institutions on policies that directly impact citizens, ensuring that economic reforms remain transparent, inclusive, and fair to all stakeholders.