Peter Obi has condemned 5% tax on petrol and diesel.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the Federal Government over the newly introduced 5% tax on all refined fossil fuel sales, including petrol and diesel.
In a post on his official X handle late Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor said the policy would worsen hardship for Nigerians rather than provide relief.
Obi argued that the tax should have been delayed until citizens began to experience tangible improvements in their living conditions, in line with the many promises made by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Nigerians will now pay a 5% tax when buying fuel or diesel at a time when millions can hardly afford transportation. Mr. President just yesterday boasted that Nigeria has met its revenue target for the year. Yet, instead of easing hardship, the government imposes more burden on Nigerians,” Obi wrote.
He also lamented the rising cost of compressed natural gas (CNG), which he noted has surged from about N230 to N450 despite earlier assurances of subsidies.
“If our revenues are truly ‘excessive’ as claimed, should they not first be used to fund education, healthcare, and lift Nigerians out of poverty? Why tax citizens who cannot even breathe anymore?” he asked.
According to Obi, true leadership should be measured by compassion and policies that reduce suffering rather than add to the burden of struggling citizens.