Fuel Surcharge Not Taking Effect January 2026 Says Oyedele

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, clarified the timeline for the proposed five‑percent fuel surcharge, dispelling rumors that it would take effect in January 2026. Speaking on Channels Television’s *The Morning Brief*, Oyedele explained that the surcharge is to be incorporated into a new law, with its commencement date to be set by the minister through a gazette order. He stressed that the tax cannot be introduced arbitrarily; any start date will depend on the minister’s directive.

Oyedele recounted an attempt by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to collect the tax shortly after the law was passed, but the effort was halted because the new legislation excludes FERMA from that role. He reiterated that there is no indication the tax will begin on 1 January 2026 and urged the public to understand the correct position.

The fuel surcharge has faced criticism from Nigerians, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which has threatened to strike if the decision is not reversed. Oyedele countered that the surcharge was originally introduced by a previous government in 2007, not by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He questioned the TUC’s threat, noting that the union should have protested when the surcharge was first implemented.

Addressing concerns about inflation, Oyedele argued that the real economic burden stems from poor road infrastructure and illegal taxes imposed during transportation. Nigeria has roughly 200,000 km of roads, of which only 60,000 km are paved, leading to costly, unsafe, and inefficient logistics. The surcharge, he said, will generate funds for road maintenance.

Finally, Oyedele assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s reform initiatives will produce results and appealed for patience. By clarifying the implementation timeline and the intended use of the funds, the government hopes to alleviate concerns and provide a clearer understanding of its fiscal policy and tax reforms as the country navigates ongoing economic challenges.