Tinubu Govt Did Not Introduce 5% Fuel Surcharge – Tax Reforms Chairman

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that the much-debated 5% fuel surcharge was not introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration but has existed in law since 2007.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Oyedele explained that the surcharge was established under a 2007 law mandating the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to collect the levy—40% for federal roads and 60% for states. However, it was never implemented at the time because the government was still subsidising fuel.

“One very important message for people to know is that this surcharge was not introduced by this government. It was introduced in 2007,” Oyedele said. “While we were doing this tax reform, it was not even in the original proposal, so it was not like the President proposed it to the National Assembly.”

In recent days, reports suggested that the surcharge—requiring Nigerians to pay an extra 5% on every litre of fuel purchased—would take effect in January, sparking public outrage. Civil society groups, trade unions, and the Organised Private Sector have rejected the measure, warning of its impact on households and businesses. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has even threatened industrial action if the surcharge is enforced.

Oyedele, however, insisted there is no official timeline for its implementation. He argued that when properly applied, the surcharge could provide sustainable funding for road infrastructure, ultimately benefiting Nigerians.