“No ₦500 Fuel Levy in January 2026,” Taiwo Oyedele Clarifies

The Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has clarified that Nigerians will not begin paying a ₦500 fuel surcharge in January 2026, dismissing recent reports as false and misleading.

In a video released by the State House, Oyedele explained that while the **Tax Administration Act 2025** includes a provision for a fuel surcharge under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Act, the measure has not yet taken effect.

“The law provides for a surcharge, but it does not automatically take effect in January 2026. Implementation can only begin when the Minister of Finance issues an official commencement order,” Oyedele said.

He added that the intended purpose of the levy is to channel revenue into transport infrastructure projects, which would ultimately lower logistics costs, ease the burden on commuters, and help reduce inflation.

Legal expert Dr. Misbau Alamu Lateef confirmed that the 5% surcharge on petroleum products has been in Nigeria’s laws since 2007 under the FERMA Amendment Act, but was never enforced.

“The 5% surcharge is not active and will not commence in January 2026. The law clearly states it can only take effect after the Minister of Finance publishes a formal commencement order. To date, no such order exists,” Dr. Lateef said.

He further explained that although January 2026 marks the general start date for four new tax laws, the fuel surcharge remains dormant until the minister takes formal action.

The clarification comes amid public concern over potential new fuel-related taxes under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aiming to reassure Nigerians that no immediate additional burden will be applied at the pump.