The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Federal Government to immediately impose a temporary, time-bound cap on petrol prices amid rising costs driven by volatility in global oil markets and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
In a strongly worded press statement released on March 11, 2026, and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that external shocks alone cannot justify unchecked fuel price hikes in Nigeria’s fragile economy.
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The party highlighted the severe impact on ordinary citizens, noting that petrol prices directly influence the cost of food, transportation, and basic survival.
The statement criticised the Tinubu-led APC administration’s abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy, which it said has left the economy reeling and exacerbated hardship for millions.
“When petrol rises, everything else rises with it,” the ADC declared, calling for urgent government intervention to stabilise prices and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
The opposition party also demanded targeted palliatives for low-income households most affected by the increases. It further questioned the feasibility of the government’s plan to distribute 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits, pointing out that Nigeria has over 11 million vehicles on the roads, making the initiative cover less than 1% of the fleet. Limited CNG refuelling infrastructure was cited as another barrier to effective implementation.
The ADC described the current approach as inadequate and urged a more comprehensive energy strategy that leverages Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing nation to shield citizens from extreme price shocks.
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“At a time of rising global uncertainty, protecting the welfare of citizens must remain the first duty of any government,” the statement emphasised.
This call comes against the backdrop of recent petrol price surges, with industry reports warning of further escalation if Middle East tensions persist.
The ADC positioned its demand as a responsible measure to ease the cost-of-living crisis gripping the country.
