Nigerians Deserve To Breathe – Obi Rejects Tinubu’s 5% Fuel Tax
Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s new law imposing a five per cent tax on fossil fuel sales from January 2026, describing it as an additional burden on citizens already facing economic hardship.
Obi, in a statement on Thursday, said, “When will Nigerians truly breathe” under an administration imposing more taxes amid hardship?
“Nigerians will pay a 5% tax when buying their everyday fuel or diesel at a time when millions can hardly even afford the cost of transportation.”
Obi criticised the government’s decision, noting, “Mr. President just yesterday boasted that Nigeria has met its revenue target for the year. Yet, instead of easing hardship, the government imposes more burden on Nigerians.”
“If our revenues are truly ‘excessive’ as claimed, should they not first be used to fund education, healthcare and pulling Nigerians out of poverty? Why tax citizens who cannot even breathe anymore?
“This 5% fuel tax should wait until Nigerians begin to see tangible improvements in their lives from all the many promises from Mr. President. Leadership is not about giving a burden, it is about reducing suffering, it is about care and compassion.”
The surcharge on refined petroleum products is part of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, one of four tax reform bills President Tinubu signed into law on June 26, 2025, and is scheduled to take effect in January 2026.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
