The Obidient Movement leadership in Tuesday declared that until credible evidence of how the 5% fuel surcharge is shown, the Federal Government should not impose it on Nigerians.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement signed by the Movement’s coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko declaring that:
“The leadership of the Obidient Movement wishes to respond to the recent announcement by *Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms*, on the introduction of a new 5% surcharge on fuel. 
“A Policy Built on Noble Intentions, But Destined for Misery
We are told that this surcharge will fund road infrastructure, align Nigeria with “global best practices,” and ultimately deliver safer roads and reduced logistics costs.
” These claims, however, stand on shaky ground when placed against Nigeria’s harsh realities. For decades, Nigerians have been fed the same promises: new levies will “fix our roads,” “power our hospitals,” and “transform our economy.” Instead, trillions vanish into the pockets of corrupt elites while our highways crumble, transport costs skyrocket, and ordinary Nigerians are pushed deeper into poverty.
*Why This 5% Fuel Tax Is Unacceptable*
*Punishing the Poor and Vulnerable: Fuel is not a luxury. It powers transportation, agriculture, and small businesses; the lifeline of millions of Nigerians. Taxing fuel is regressive; it extracts most from those who have the least.
*Absence of Trust and Accountability: Nigeria loses billions yearly to contract fraud and inflated projects. With our nation ranked 140 out of 180 in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index, how can citizens believe this new tax will build roads rather than bankroll corruption?
*A Tax Amid Crisis: With inflation at record highs, transport and food costs crippling families, and wages stagnant, the timing of this surcharge is both heartless and reckless. You cannot tax a hungry man into prosperity.
*The Bigger Picture: A Broken Tax Reform Agenda
This is not only about a 5% fuel surcharge. It is about a government that seeks to squeeze blood from a dry stone while refusing to reform itself. Instead of burdening the poor with more taxes, why not:
*Expand the tax base to capture the vast informal economy and luxury sectors.
*Introduce progressive taxes on wealth, luxury vehicles, and elite consumption.
*Create ring-fenced funds with citizen oversight, ensuring every Naira collected is traceable.
*Cut wasteful government spending and end the culture of endless perks for political office holders.
*Our Position*
The Obidient Movement Nigeria insists that no new fuel taxes should be imposed until there are credible, transparent mechanisms to ensure accountability, anti-corruption safeguards, and real relief for suffering citizens. We demand that government earn the trust of the people first by demonstrating visible improvements in governance and infrastructure before introducing more levies. Anything less is exploitation disguised as reform.
We want good roads, reliable infrastructure, and a strong economy. But these goals cannot and must not be pursued on the backs of already impoverished Nigerians. Until transparency, equity, and fairness guide our fiscal policies, we reject this 5% surcharge as yet another instrument of oppression against the people.
