Obidient Movement Warns Against Proposed 5% Fuel Surcharge, Citing Economic Hardship for Nigerians

The Obidient Movement has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a 5% surcharge on fuel, warning that it would exacerbate the economic struggles of Nigerians.

According to the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the policy, although well-intentioned, is destined to bring misery to the citizens.

Tanko emphasized that successive governments have made similar promises about new levies transforming infrastructure, but have failed to deliver, instead leading to increased poverty and crumbling infrastructure.

He urged the government to explore alternative revenue generation methods, such as widening the tax base, imposing progressive taxes on luxury consumption, and reducing wasteful government spending.

The Obidient Movement insists that any new fuel taxes should only be imposed when there are transparent mechanisms in place to ensure accountability, anti-corruption safeguards, and real relief for suffering citizens. They reject the 5% surcharge as an instrument of oppression against the people, stressing that the goals of good roads, reliable infrastructure, and a strong economy cannot be pursued at the expense of already impoverished Nigerians.

This development comes as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also threatens to embark on a nationwide strike if the proposed surcharge is not scrapped.

The TUC has given the government a 14-day ultimatum to cancel the plan. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has also warned that the surcharge would likely increase pump prices for refined petroleum products.

The Federal Government aims to generate revenue through this surcharge, with estimates suggesting it could earn up to N796 billion annually.

However, critics argue that introducing additional fuel-related taxes at this time would worsen the cost-of-living crisis, given the recent removal of petrol subsidies and the resulting surge in pump prices, transport fares, food prices, and general inflation.