The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the proposed fuel tax will remain on hold until the naira appreciates significantly and global crude oil prices decline, according to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms.
Speaking at the 2025 National Logistics and Transport Forum in Lagos on Wednesday, Oyedele reiterated that the 5% fuel surcharge, part of the newly enacted tax reform bills is not intended to burden citizens amid current economic pressures.
“The fuel tax will not be implemented now. It will only come into effect when either the naira appreciates or the price of crude oil drops to a level where the impact is absorbed without increasing the pump price,” Oyedele stated.
He explained that the legislation includes strict safeguards: the levy can only be activated through a formal ministerial order from the Minister of Finance, and only under conditions that ensure zero additional cost to consumers.
“This is not a tax to punish Nigerians. It is a future-funding mechanism for critical infrastructure, particularly road maintenance, but it will not happen at the expense of the people,” he added.
Oyedele noted that the reforms, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu earlier this month, aim to streamline Nigeria’s complex tax system, reduce multiple levies, and boost revenue without increasing hardship.
He had first made similar assurances in September during television interviews, emphasizing that the government is sensitive to public concerns over rising living costs.
The clarification comes amid widespread debate over the tax reform bills, with stakeholders praising the conditional approach as a responsible step toward sustainable fiscal policy.
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