Transport workers, farmers, human rights activists, and civil society organisations across Nigeria have voiced strong opposition to the proposed implementation of a five per cent user charge on petrol and diesel pump prices. They warned that the policy could worsen economic hardship and potentially ignite nationwide protests.
The backlash follows renewed calls by the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the non-remittance of the statutory five per cent user charge on petroleum products. The committee urged strict enforcement of the charge, as outlined in the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Act of 2007.
Under the Act, five per cent of the retail price of petrol and diesel purchased by consumers is to be allocated to road maintenance. Of this, 40 per cent is designated for FERMA, while 60 per cent is meant for State Road Maintenance Agencies.
This push comes amid a backdrop of rising fuel prices, which have remained volatile since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. Recently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited raised the pump price in Lagos to ₦925 per litre—just two days after a previous hike to ₦915.
Although the government argues that the new levy will generate much-needed funds to repair Nigeria’s deteriorating road network, critics insist that the cost should not be passed on to citizens already struggling under economic pressure.
Akintade Abiodun, National Chairman of the Joint Drivers Welfare Association, criticised the move, accusing the government of using Nigerians as “lab rats” for testing harsh policies.
“The people in power think we’ll remain quiet forever. We stayed calm during the last fuel hike, and now they want to add more costs. This must be stopped,” Abiodun said in an interview with Saturday PUNCH.
Echoing the sentiment, Kabiru Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, warned that the additional charge would further drive up food prices by increasing the cost of transporting agricultural produce.
“If fuel costs rise, so will transport, and ultimately food prices. Farmers in remote areas need to move their goods to markets. The burden will fall on ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Jackson Omenazu, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, condemned the proposed charge as “anti-people” and cautioned lawmakers against ignoring the growing discontent among citizens.
“How can lawmakers approve such policies after increasing their own allowances? It’s this kind of insensitivity that leads to riots. Nigerians are watching,” he said.
Devison Nze, Executive Director of the Human Rights and Justice Group, called the timing of the proposed tax “economically reckless.”
“At a time when inflation is suffocating the average Nigerian, why would the government even consider a new fuel-based tax? This will only worsen the situation,” Nze said. He urged policymakers to focus on initiatives that support local manufacturing and reduce production costs instead.
However, Alhaji Yusuf Othman, National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, expressed conditional support for the levy. He stressed that transparency and accountability in the management of funds would be crucial.
“Indeed, FERMA needs funds to repair our terrible roads. But if this money is not used properly, it becomes just another burden on already suffering Nigerians,” Othman warned.
