Leadership Not About Giving Burden – Obi Berates Tinubu Over 5% Fuel Tax

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the newly introduced 5% tax on refined fossil fuels, describing the move as a “punishment” for already struggling Nigerians.

In a statement released on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi questioned the government’s priorities, noting that citizens are still grappling with skyrocketing living costs, rising transportation fares, and an economy that has yet to recover from past policy shocks.

MCC News reports that the Federal Government recently announced a 5% tax on petrol, diesel, and other refined fossil fuel products. 

The levy is expected to take effect from 2026,  increasing the retail price of essential fuels nationwide.

Reacting to the development, Obi said it was wrong to impose such taxes at a time when millions of Nigerians “can hardly breathe” under economic hardship.

“When will Nigerians truly breathe?” he asked. “At a time when even basic transportation has become a luxury for many, the government has chosen to make things harder.”

He further criticised President Tinubu for celebrating the country’s revenue targets while adding more financial burden on citizens. 

“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 said.

According to him, even compressed natural gas (CNG), once introduced as a cheaper fuel alternative, is now unaffordable, having jumped from about N230 to N450 per unit. 

He added that the promised subsidies on CNG have “quietly vanished,” leaving transport operators and commuters stranded.

Obi argued that any reported surplus in government revenue should be directed toward improving education, healthcare, and poverty reduction, rather than taxing citizens further. 

“If our revenues are truly ‘excessive’ as claimed, should they not first be used to fund education, healthcare and pull Nigerians out of poverty? Why tax citizens who cannot even breathe anymore?” he asked.

He insisted that leadership must prioritise compassion and relief, not more hardship. 

“Leadership is not about giving a burden, it is about reducing suffering. It is about care and compassion,” Obi stated.

However, the introduction of the new fuel tax has already sparked reactions across the country, with many stakeholders warning it could worsen inflation, increase transport costs, and deepen poverty.