The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Federal Government to introduce a temporary cap on petrol prices in response to rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. ADC warned that continued increases in petrol prices could deepen Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis and place additional pressure on millions of households already struggling with economic hardship.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC argued that while volatility in global oil markets may be driving price increases, the government must take proactive measures to shield citizens from the resulting economic impact. The ADC also called for targeted palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians and questioned the effectiveness of the government’s plan to distribute 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits.
ADC Calls for Temporary Cap on Petrol Prices
The ADC said the government should implement a temporary and time-bound cap on petrol prices to prevent further increases that could worsen living conditions across the country. According to the party, rising energy costs have a direct and immediate impact on everyday life in Nigeria, influencing transportation fares, food prices, and the general cost of goods and services.
ADC acknowledged that the current volatility in global oil markets has been partly influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, it stressed that external shocks should not be allowed to push petrol prices to levels that ordinary Nigerians cannot afford.
ADC officials also linked the ongoing economic pressure to the fuel subsidy removal introduced under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party argued that the sudden policy shift has intensified economic strain on households, making it more urgent for the government to stabilise petrol prices.
Questions Over CNG Conversion Programme
Beyond the price cap proposal, the ADC also raised concerns about the practicality of the federal government’s plan to distribute 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas conversion kits to motorists as part of efforts to promote alternative energy sources.
The party noted that Nigeria has more than 11 million vehicles on its roads, meaning the proposed number of conversion kits would reach less than one percent of the national vehicle fleet. According to the ADC, such a limited scale would have minimal impact on overall fuel consumption and transportation costs.
In addition, the party questioned the adequacy of the country’s CNG refuelling infrastructure. It warned that without sufficient refuelling stations across the country, the programme could struggle to achieve its intended objectives. The African Democratic Congress cautioned that policies designed to encourage energy transition must be supported by practical infrastructure to ensure accessibility for motorists.
ADC Call for Broader Energy Strategy
The ADC urged the federal government to pursue a more comprehensive and sustainable energy strategy capable of protecting citizens from sudden fuel price shocks. The party emphasised that Nigeria’s status as a major oil-producing country should translate into policies that help stabilise domestic energy costs.
According to the statement, protecting citizens from severe economic hardship must remain a central responsibility of government. The party therefore called for measures that combine price stabilisation, targeted economic support for vulnerable households, and long-term investment in alternative energy infrastructure.
African Democratic Congress officials concluded that such policies would not only help reduce the immediate burden on Nigerians but also build resilience against future global market disruptions.
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