(DDM) – The Obidient Movement has kicked against the Federal Government’s proposed five per cent surcharge on fuel, warning that it would worsen poverty across Nigeria.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the levy, announced by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform programme aimed at improving road infrastructure and reducing logistics costs.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the movement described the proposal as another instrument of oppression against struggling citizens.
Tanko acknowledged that infrastructure development was important but argued that successive governments had made similar promises without delivering results.
He said Nigerians had been deceived for decades with claims that levies would be used to fix roads, strengthen hospitals, and revive the economy.
According to him, trillions of naira had instead disappeared into corrupt networks while highways deteriorated, transportation costs increased, and the masses were driven deeper into hardship.
Tanko stressed that fuel is not a luxury in Nigeria, but an essential commodity that directly impacts the cost of living and survival of ordinary people.
He warned that any additional tax on fuel would disproportionately punish the poor, who already face the burden of subsidy removal and rising inflation.
The Obidient Movement urged the government to expand the tax base rather than overburdening fuel consumers.
It called for the imposition of progressive taxes on luxury goods and wealthy elites instead of policies that directly hurt vulnerable households.
Tanko also demanded that the government cut wasteful spending and implement credible anti-corruption safeguards before introducing any new taxes.
He argued that until transparency and accountability mechanisms are established, any new levy would be seen as another means of enriching the ruling class.
The statement noted that while Nigerians desire good roads and reliable infrastructure, these goals must not be pursued at the expense of impoverished citizens.
It added that the 5% surcharge would deepen inequality, undermine public trust, and escalate social tensions if imposed without reforms.
Tanko further warned President Tinubu not to assume that citizens would remain passive in the face of worsening economic hardship.
He said frustration is rising across the country and urged the government to act before it is too late.
The Obidient Movement’s opposition reflects wider public anger over rising costs of living since Tinubu ended fuel subsidies in May 2023.
That decision triggered sharp increases in fuel prices, transportation fares, and food costs, fuelling inflation and pushing millions into deeper poverty.
The government has defended its fiscal reforms as necessary for economic stability, but critics argue that the burden is unfairly placed on ordinary Nigerians.
Labour unions, civil society groups, and opposition figures have repeatedly accused the administration of lacking empathy in its economic policies.
Observers say the proposed fuel surcharge could trigger fresh protests if implemented without broad consultation and safety nets.
For now, the Obidient Movement has drawn a clear red line, declaring the policy unacceptable and urging the government to adopt fairer alternatives.
