The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Federal Government to introduce a temporary cap on petrol prices to prevent further increases that it says are worsening the cost-of-living crisis for millions of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the government must take urgent steps to shield citizens from the impact of rising fuel costs.
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The party noted that the recent hikes in petrol prices reflect volatility in global oil markets, partly linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. However, it argued that external factors should not justify unchecked increases in fuel prices in Nigeria’s already fragile economy.
“The African Democratic Congress calls on the Federal Government to immediately introduce a temporary and time-bound cap on petrol prices to prevent further increases that continue to push the cost of living beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians,” the statement said.
The party also blamed the current economic pressure on the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy by the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that Nigerians are still struggling with the consequences.
“External shocks cannot justify allowing fuel prices to spiral without restraint in an already fragile economy, one that continues to reel from the consequences of the Tinubu-led APC government’s abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy,” the party said.
According to the ADC, rising petrol prices have a direct effect on essential goods and services across the country.
“For everyday Nigerians, petrol determines the price of food, transportation, and survival. When petrol rises, everything else rises with it,” the party stated.
It therefore urged the government to introduce targeted palliatives to cushion the effects of rising fuel costs, particularly for low-income Nigerians.
The party also criticised the Federal Government’s plan to distribute 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits, describing the initiative as insufficient to address Nigeria’s broader energy challenges.
“Nigeria has over 11 million vehicles on its roads. When placed in context, 100,000 CNG kits would reach less than one percent of the nation’s vehicle fleet,” the statement said.
It added that the limited number of CNG refuelling stations across the country raises concerns about accessibility and the overall effectiveness of the policy.
“If Nigerians cannot easily find where to refuel, then the policy risks becoming an announcement without real impact,” the party warned.
The ADC called on the Federal Government to pursue a more comprehensive energy strategy that would protect Nigerians from severe fuel price shocks.
“Nigeria is an oil-producing country, and it should not be a place where the cost of petrol repeatedly pushes millions of citizens deeper into hardship,” the statement added.
The party stressed that protecting citizens’ welfare should remain the priority of government, especially at a time of growing global economic uncertainty.
