By John Umeh
The Federal Government’s plan to introduce a petrol consumption tax from January 2026 has stirred widespread concern across Nigeria, with many citizens saying the country is already at a breaking point economically.
Under the new policy, petrol purchases will attract extra charges — a ₦10,000 purchase will incur a ₦500 tax, while ₦20,000 will attract a ₦1,000 tax. Officials say the measure is aimed at boosting national revenue, curbing excessive fuel use, and funding development projects.
But for ordinary Nigerians, this announcement lands at a time of soaring inflation, rising food prices, and ever-increasing electricity and transport costs. Many see it as yet another blow to households struggling to make ends meet.
“We Are at a Neck-Breaking Point”
For commuters and transport workers, petrol is not a luxury but a lifeline. Higher fuel costs almost always mean higher transport fares, which in turn push up the prices of food and other essentials.
“This government doesn’t understand what we are going through,” lamented Emeka Okafor, a commercial driver in Lagos. “We are already battling with high pump prices, and now they want to add tax? People are at a neck-breaking point. Families cannot survive this.”
Civil society groups have echoed these concerns, warning that the new tax could deepen poverty and widen inequality if not implemented alongside measures to cushion its impact.
The Trust Deficit
One of the biggest challenges facing this new tax is public trust. Nigerians have often complained that previous revenue-raising measures, including subsidy removals, did not lead to visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, or education.
“What guarantee do we have that this petrol tax won’t end up in the wrong pockets?” asked Zainab Mohammed, a schoolteacher in Abuja. “We keep paying more, but the government services never improve. It is like pouring water into a basket.”
Analysts believe that without transparency and accountability, the policy risks being perceived as another government cash grab rather than a genuine attempt at reform.
Balancing the Nation’s Needs and Citizens’ Pain
Government officials maintain that the tax is necessary to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil revenues and to generate funds for development. They argue that even small levies, when collected across millions of daily fuel purchases, can provide significant support for infrastructure and social programs.
However, many experts stress that timing is critical. With Nigerians already struggling under multiple economic shocks, an additional levy on petrol could be the tipping point that fuels more hardship and public discontent.
The Road Ahead
As January 2026 approaches, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government rolls out this tax. For now, the overwhelming public sentiment is one of fear, frustration, and fatigue.
The petrol tax debate is not just about revenue — it is about the relationship between citizens and their government. Nigerians are demanding more than promises; they want to see real accountability, transparency, and tangible benefits before accepting yet another burden.
Until then, one question hangs heavy in the air: How much more can Nigerians take before the system truly breaks?
