The Obidient Movement has warned the Federal Government against introducing a proposed five per cent surcharge on fuel, saying the policy would further impoverish Nigerians already reeling under economic hardship.

The caution followed remarks by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, who disclosed that the levy is part of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda aimed at improving road infrastructure and reducing logistics costs.

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

Tanko said successive governments had repeatedly promised that new levies would transform infrastructure, yet little had been delivered.

“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.

Stressing that fuelling is not a luxury in Nigeria, Tanko warned that the move would punish the poor and vulnerable.

He urged the government instead to expand the tax base, impose progressive taxes on luxury consumption, 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.

“We want good roads, reliable infrastructure, and a strong economy. But these goals cannot and must not be pursued on the backs of already impoverished Nigerians. Until transparency, equity, and fairness guide our fiscal policies, we reject this 5% surcharge as yet another instrument of oppression against the people,” the statement added.

Fuel remains a politically sensitive issue in Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer but also one of the biggest importers of refined petroleum products.

The removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023 by President Tinubu triggered a sharp rise in pump prices, pushing up transport fares, food costs, and inflation.

Critics argue that introducing another fuel-related tax now would worsen the cost-of-living crisis, though the government maintains reforms are needed to raise revenue and reduce reliance on borrowing.

Since assuming office, Tinubu has embarked on sweeping fiscal and economic reforms, including unifying the exchange rate, scrapping fuel subsidies, and pushing tax harmonisation. His administration insists the measures, though painful, are necessary to stabilise Nigeria’s fragile economy.

The proposed surcharge comes amid mounting public frustration over inflation, unemployment, and insecurity. (PUNCH)