Abuja, Sept. 4, 2025 – Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in 2023 election, has described the new 5% tax on petrol sales as additional burden on the poor masses.
The federal government plans to impose the new 5% tax on petrol sales from January 2026 as part of its new tax reform measures.
Obi, while reacting to the development in a post on his official X handle, said government was imposing too much burden on Nigerians instead of easing the current hardship.
He said the 5% fuel tax should have waited until Nigerians begin to see tangible improvements in their lives from all the many promises from President Bola Tinubu.
Obi said it was regrettable that Nigerians will begin pay a 5% tax when buying their everyday fuel or diesel at a time when millions can hardly even afford the cost of transportation.
“Nigerians will pay a 5% tax when buying fuel or diesel at a time when millions can hardly afford transportation.
“If our revenues are truly ‘excessive’ as claimed, should they not first be used to fund education, healthcare and lift Nigerians out of poverty? Why impose more taxes on citizens who are already struggling?
“Leadership is not about giving a burden, it is about reducing suffering, it is about care and compassion. This 5% fuel tax should wait until Nigerians begin to see tangible improvements in their lives,” he said.
