The former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of a 15 percent import tariff on refined petroleum products, describing the move as unjust and exploitative amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adebayo accused the Tinubu administration of excessive taxation, warning that it could worsen the financial burden on Nigerian citizens already grappling with hardship.
“President Tinubu is a clever tax collector. He wants to collect taxes on everything, even the air we breathe — just give him time, he’ll get there,” Adebayo said, highlighting fears of escalating taxation measures.
The SDP politician remarked that the new tariff contradicts the ideals Tinubu once supported during his time in the SDP, following notable figures like the late MKO Abiola during Hope 93.“This is an anti-people decision. The Tinubu we knew is gone; now it’s all about taxing customers, not serving citizens. If you have twins or triplets, expect a ‘multiple childbirth tax’ next,” he added.
Adebayo further stated the additional cost of the import duty would be transferred to consumers at petrol stations, asserting, “15 percent tariffs on imported petrol means the end buyer bears the cost.”
He criticized the government’s failure to make domestic refineries functional despite billions spent on turnaround maintenance, questioning Tinubu’s leadership as the Minister of Petroleum.“You appointed yourself Minister of Petroleum but have allowed the refineries to be dysfunctional. This inefficiency forces us to import fuel. Now, you want to surcharge Nigerians for problems you caused,” he said.
Urging decisive action, Adebayo called on President Tinubu to instruct officials such as Heineken Lokpobiri and Bayo Ojulari to restore refinery operations.“I want those refineries working. Give them six months to reduce fuel importation to zero,” he demanded.
President Tinubu had earlier approved the 15 percent ad-valorem import duty following a proposal from the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s Chairman, Zacch Adedeji. The government stated that this policy aims to protect local refineries and stabilize the downstream petroleum market. However, experts warn the tariff could lead to higher pump prices impacting consumers.
