“by Willy Okonji, Lagos-
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s proposed five per cent tax on petrol, describing it as “insensitive, counterproductive, and unjustifiable.”
In a statement issued on Sunday by Tola Oresanwo, Director of Administration and Programmes, on behalf of CACOL Chairman, Debo Adeniran, the group warned that the levy would worsen economic hardship, fuel inflation, and increase job losses.
Adeniran said Nigerians were already overwhelmed by harsh economic policies and could not withstand another layer of financial burden.
“At a time when citizens are still struggling under the weight of severe economic policies, this additional charge threatens to worsen inflation, increase job losses, and heighten public anger against the state,” he said.
“For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured unprecedented economic pains with patience, hoping government reforms would eventually ease their burdens. Yet, these expectations remain unmet.”
CACOL also questioned the rationale behind the new charge, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s government had only recently announced it had met revenue targets without borrowing from banks.
“The proposed tax has no clear justification, especially considering that the Federal Government has already achieved its revenue goals. Nigerians are therefore left to question: what exactly is the rationale behind this new charge?” Adeniran asked.
“If the intent is to raise more revenue, it contradicts government’s earlier claims of financial stability. If the intent is to reduce petrol consumption, it will cripple economic activities, shut down businesses, and worsen unemployment.”
The group further suggested that the policy could be a deliberate attempt to suppress citizens already struggling under economic pressures.
“Could this be a deliberate attempt to incapacitate the people from speaking out against their current suffering? We are already consulting, and at the appropriate time, Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, and Faith-Based Organisations will determine how best to resist these anti-people policies.”
CACOL maintained that the plan was unfair and unacceptable, urging the Tinubu administration to abandon it and instead focus on economic recovery strategies.
“We insist that Nigerians must not be pushed to the wall. The proposed petrol tax is unjustifiable and must be shelved immediately. The government should concentrate on policies that stimulate production, create jobs, and reduce the hardship of the people,” the group declared.
