Obidient Movement fuel tax warning urges FG to drop proposed 5% surcharge, calling it oppressive and harmful to struggling Nigerians

Obidient Movement fuel tax opposition has intensified as the group warned the Federal Government against introducing a proposed 5 per cent surcharge on fuel.

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The movement argued that the policy would deepen the suffering of Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship.

The warning followed remarks by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele,

who revealed that the levy is part of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda to fund road infrastructure and reduce logistics costs.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the Obidient Movement described the plan as “a policy built on noble intentions, but destined for misery.”

“For decades, Nigerians have been fed the same promises: new levies will ‘fix our roads,’ ‘power our hospitals,’ and ‘transform our economy.’

Instead, trillions vanish into the pockets of corrupt elites while our highways crumble, transport costs skyrocket, and ordinary Nigerians are pushed deeper into poverty,” the statement read.

Tanko stressed that fuel is not a luxury in Nigeria and warned that the surcharge would disproportionately punish the poor and vulnerable. He urged the government to instead broaden the tax base, introduce progressive levies on luxury goods, and cut wasteful spending.

“The Obidient Movement insists that no new fuel taxes should be imposed until there are credible, transparent mechanisms to ensure accountability, anti-corruption safeguards, and real relief for suffering citizens,” Tanko said.

Fuel remains a politically sensitive issue in Nigeria. The removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023 triggered sharp increases in pump prices, transport fares, food costs, and inflation.

Critics warn that imposing another fuel-related tax now would worsen the cost-of-living crisis, while the government maintains that reforms are necessary to boost revenue and reduce borrowing.

President Tinubu’s economic reforms—including subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and tax harmonisation—have been described as bold but painful steps aimed at stabilising the economy.

Also read: Obidient movement criticises Tinubu’s policies, vows to rescue Nigeria in 2027

The proposed fuel surcharge, however, has fueled growing public frustration amid rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.