By Desire Uzochukwu
HURIWA has urged Nigerians to speak out against the proposed introduction of fuel taxes, arguing that the government should explain the policy’s implications and consult citizens before imposing additional costs amid continuing economic pressures.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, questioned the timing of the proposed levies and called for greater transparency from the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
The group’s reaction followed comments by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, that fuel taxes would be introduced only when economic conditions improved and household incomes could better accommodate the additional costs.
Oyedele reportedly made the remarks in an interview with ARISE News on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
The minister said imposing additional taxes immediately after the removal of petrol subsidy would have worsened the hardship faced by Nigerians.
“You remove subsidy, you can’t immediately impose taxes. That would be insensitive. You push the people to the wall,” he said.
Oyedele explained that fuel taxes in some countries account for between 20 and 80 per cent of petroleum prices, while several African countries impose multiple levies on fuel products.
He said the proposed revenue could be dedicated to road infrastructure and the development of fuel reserves to help the country respond to future supply disruptions and moderate price shocks.
“Not because we want to impose taxes, it will be because those amounts of taxes will be dedicated into road infrastructure, they’ll be dedicated into building our fuel reserve, that can help us moderate prices of fuel products, if anything happens,” he said.
The minister added that the government could temporarily suspend the levies when necessary to cushion the effects of market disruptions.
He also maintained that the taxes would not be introduced secretly, explaining that an official order published in the Federal Government Gazette would be required before implementation.
“There has to be an order published in the gazette by the finance minister, which means we can’t do it in secret,” Oyedele said.
HURIWA questions timing of proposed taxes
HURIWA, however, expressed concern that the proposed levies could increase the financial pressure on households already grappling with higher living costs.
The organisation argued that the government should provide clear information on the legal framework, proposed rates, implementation timeline and expected benefits of the policy to enable Nigerians to assess its likely impact.
It also called on the National Assembly to ensure that citizens’ concerns were adequately considered in decisions on taxation, particularly measures capable of affecting transport, food prices and other essential expenses.
The group criticised the economic consequences of petrol subsidy removal and the floating of the naira, saying the combined effects had placed considerable pressure on households and businesses.
It urged the Federal Government to prioritise measures that improve purchasing power and protect vulnerable Nigerians before considering additional levies on fuel.
Group calls for public debate
HURIWA also referred to comments attributed in media reports to Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, concerning the timing and implications of recently passed tax legislation.
The organisation urged the government and lawmakers to clarify the scope of the legislation and distinguish between existing tax provisions and any proposed fuel-specific levies, to prevent confusion among the public.
It called for open public communication on the policy and urged Nigerians to express their concerns through peaceful and lawful means.
“Nigerians should and must peacefully carry out street protests to denounce the new tax law,” the group said, while calling for greater public participation in decisions with significant economic consequences.
HURIWA maintained that any additional tax burden should be assessed against the current cost of living and the capacity of households to pay.
It urged the Federal Government to ensure that any revenue raised through fuel taxation is transparently accounted for and directed towards clearly defined public benefits, including infrastructure and measures to reduce the effects of fuel-supply disruptions.
The organisation said public confidence in economic reforms would depend on transparency, accountability and evidence that the policies deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.
