A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, Ayiri Emami, has voiced disapproval of the recently approved 15 percent ad valorem import duty on petrol and diesel. In an interview with journalists in Abuja, Emami warned that the new tariff would ultimately harm Nigerians.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service secured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the import duty, citing the need to protect domestic refineries. Following this, President Tinubu ordered the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to enforce the tariff immediately.
Emami urged President Tinubu to suspend the 15 percent import duty, arguing that any tax on petroleum products would be passed on to consumers and exacerbate the existing struggles of ordinary Nigerians. He noted that fuel costs affect many aspects of life, including livelihoods such as fishing, where higher fuel prices could make it difficult for people to afford going out to fish.
He suggested that the government should explore alternative revenue sources rather than imposing additional taxes on petroleum products. Emami pointed out that, even after the removal of the fuel subsidy, Nigerians have not seen significant positive changes; introducing another tax would only add to their burden.
The implementation of the 15 percent fuel import tariff is expected to have significant implications for Nigerians, who are already facing economic challenges. As the government moves forward with the new tariff, it remains to be seen how it will impact citizens’ lives and the overall economy. Emami’s concerns highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential effects of policy decisions on the general population.
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