African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Chille Igbawua has accused the Federal Government of mismanaging funds saved from fuel subsidy removal, warning that Nigerians cannot withstand another financial burden through a proposed 5% fuel surcharge.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, September 11, Igbawua criticised the government for failing to explain how subsidy savings have been used since President Bola Tinubu ended the policy in May 2023.
“You remove subsidy, you have money coming in, but you’re not telling anybody what you’re doing with the money, and then you want to introduce a 5% tax on fuel at the pump,” he said.
Igbawua questioned the justification for the tax, noting, “Countries that are taking this pump tax are taking it because they’re paying subsidies.
“Now, if you’re not paying subsidies, why do you go back and tax again? Because you’ve already removed the subsidy. So, what’s the benefit of being a citizen in an oil-producing economy?”
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The ADC leader stressed that instead of imposing additional taxes, the government should prioritise policies that raise incomes and ease the cost of living.
“Well, on fuel subsidy, we’ve said it has been poorly managed. You may not restore fuel subsidies in that manner, but you can improve the incomes of the people so that they’re able to buy the fuel,” he explained.
He added that boosting earnings would help both private vehicle owners and public transport users cope with high fuel costs, noting that attempts to expand CNG as an alternative energy source have stalled.
Since subsidy removal, petrol prices have climbed from less than ₦200 per litre to nearly ₦1,000 in some regions, worsening inflation and hardship.
Yet, despite mounting criticism, the government has insisted it will not reintroduce fuel subsidies.