The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting Nigerians will be required to pay a ₦500 fuel surcharge on every ₦10,000 worth of fuel purchased starting January 2026, describing such claims as false and misleading.
According to government clarification, while the new tax legislation includes provisions for a fuel surcharge under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Act, this measure has not yet been activated and will not automatically commence in January 2026 as widely reported.
The explanation was provided by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, in a video statement released by the State House. Oyedele emphasized that the implementation timeline for the surcharge depends entirely on an official directive from the Minister of Finance, not on any predetermined date.
Oyedele addressed the misinformation circulating about the fuel surcharge, explaining that the provision stems from existing legislation enacted several years ago under the FEMA Act. This provision has now been incorporated into the new tax law, but its activation remains subject to ministerial discretion.
The tax reform committee chairman stressed that the surcharge will only take effect on a future date to be determined by an official order from the Finance Minister. He expressed confidence that the Finance Minister will exercise responsible judgment in determining the appropriate timing for implementation.
Regarding the purpose of the proposed surcharge, Oyedele indicated that revenues generated would be directed toward transport infrastructure development projects. The government believes these infrastructure investments will ultimately reduce logistics costs, alleviate burdens on commuters, and help control inflation rates that affect ordinary Nigerian citizens.
