Civil Society Condemns 15 % Fuel Levy as ‘Deliberate Scheme’ to Entrench Monopoly, Exploit Nigerians
Civil society groups have denounced the proposed 15 % fuel levy, warning that it amounts to a calculated effort to sustain monopoly power and deepen the economic hardship already gripping the nation.
The levy, announced amid the removal of fuel subsidies, naira devaluation, soaring inflation, and massive job losses, has sparked outrage among activists, labour unions, and religious organizations.
At a press briefing in Lagos, John Nwagwu, Coordinator of the Civil Society Organisation for Social Justice (CSOS), described the tariff as a “cruel joke” on Nigerians. “Our people are already struggling to afford basic necessities, and the government is adding another financial burden that will only enrich a few cartels,” he said.
Nwagwu emphasized that the levy contradicts the original intent of deregulation, which promised competition and lower prices but appears to be morphing into a new monopoly under a different label.
The CSOS statement aligns with a growing chorus of opposition from labour unions, market associations, and faith‑based groups.
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows inflation hitting 28.7 % year‑on‑year, while unemployment rose to 33.5 % in the second quarter of 2025. Analysts predict that an additional fuel levy could push transport costs up by 12–15 %, further inflating the cost of goods and services across the economy.
In response, the federal government has maintained that the levy is necessary to fund critical infrastructure projects, citing a projected *N2.1 trillion* revenue shortfall for 2026.
However, critics argue that the lack of transparency in how such funds will be allocated raises fears of corruption and misuse.
The controversy has sparked protests in several states, with demonstrators demanding the cancellation of the levy and a return to a fully deregulated market.
As the debate intensifies, the National Assembly is expected to hold a special session to review the proposal.
