The federal government has dismissed fears of a planned 5 per cent surcharge on fuel, assuring Nigerians that no such policy is being considered.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stressed that the government is mindful of the hardship facing citizens and will not introduce measures that would worsen their burden.
“We will not worsen the burden on Nigerians. As of today, no order has been issued, none is being prepared, and there is no plan, no immediate plan to implement any surcharge,” he said.
Edun explained that although the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, enacted in June, makes provisions for a surcharge, this does not mean new levies take effect automatically. He noted that such a measure requires a formal commencement order from the Minister of Finance, which must also be published in a government gazette.
“It’s not automatic that we wake up on January 1 and there’s a new tax. There’s a whole formal process involved, and as of today, no such process has begun,” he clarified.
The Minister described the Act as Nigeria’s most comprehensive tax reform in decades, consolidating multiple tax laws into a single framework, reducing overlaps, and simplifying compliance. He emphasized that the reform’s focus is on strengthening tax governance, plugging leakages, and improving efficiency rather than imposing new charges.
According to Edun, the reform package—made up of four bills, including the Nigerian Tax Bill, Tax Administration Bill, Revenue Service Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Bill—was the outcome of two years of consultations and technical work.
He added that implementation will be gradual, involving institutional adjustments, capacity building, consultations, and public awareness campaigns. “Ahead of the full implementation of the new tax laws, there will be publicity, sensitization, and education to ensure citizens and businesses understand their obligations,” he assured.
Edun concluded by saying the reforms are designed to support the government’s vision of building an inclusive and productive economy where the private sector can grow, create jobs, and drive national development.