- Obi condemns new 5% tax on fuel and diesel amid rising living costs.
- Says CNG is no longer affordable, subsidy promises unfulfilled.
- Urges government to use revenue to reduce hardship, not worsen it.
Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the recent introduction of a 5% tax on fuel and diesel purchases, describing it as another burden placed on already struggling Nigerians.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a post shared on his official X handle late Wednesday, Obi expressed disappointment that instead of easing economic hardship, the government has chosen to make life more difficult.
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He questioned the logic behind introducing such a levy at a time when most Nigerians are finding it hard to afford basic transportation.
“People are being forced to pay a 5% tax on fuel and diesel when many can barely cover transport costs,” Obi said.
“Just a day ago, the President proudly announced that the country had met its revenue targets for the year. If that’s the case, why is the government still increasing hardship instead of reducing it?”
Obi also took a swipe at the government’s handling of the alternative fuel option, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
He noted that CNG prices have more than doubled, moving from around ₦230 to ₦450, despite earlier promises that it would be a cheaper, subsidised alternative.
“CNG, which was presented as a solution, is now out of reach for many. And the promised subsidies have quietly disappeared,” he stated.
He argued that any extra revenue the government claims to have should be used to improve the lives of citizens through better healthcare, education, and poverty reduction not more taxation.
“If we truly have surplus revenue, shouldn’t it be used to uplift the people, rather than taxing those who are already barely surviving?” he asked.
Obi concluded by stressing that true leadership is about easing people’s pain, not increasing it.
“Leadership should be about compassion, not making life harder,” he added.
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