Public affairs analyst Ezenwa Nwagwu, who is also the Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, PAACA, has praised the Federal Government for suspending its proposed 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel.
In a statement on Monday, Nwagwu described the move as a significant relief for Nigerians, noting that the policy would have triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices if implemented.
“We commend the Federal Government for taking the right decision by suspending the tariff proposal,” he said, adding that the development demonstrates that “when citizens and civic actors speak with evidence and clarity, government listens”.
He explained that the reversal underscores the importance of participatory governance and the impact of evidence-driven advocacy.
Nwagwu noted that persistent pressure from stakeholders may have influenced the government’s decision to withdraw the tariff plan.
He emphasized that stopping the proposed duty will help stabilize the petroleum market, reduce inflationary tendencies, and protect citizens from further economic strain.
“The suspension is not just a policy correction but a victory for citizens’ voices in the policy process,” he stated.
Last week, Nwagwu had urged the government to “protect the people, not the monopoly,” warning that the new tariff would distort competition, raise fuel prices, and deepen ongoing economic challenges.
