FG speaks on newly introduced ‘5% fuel surcharge’

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has clarified that the newly introduced 5 percent fuel surcharge will not take effect immediately.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Edun stressed that the levy would also not be implemented in January 2026, when other tax measures signed into law by President Bola Tinubu are expected to commence.

“As of today, there is no immediate plan to implement such a charge,” the minister said, responding to public concerns over the fossil fuel levy, which he explained was not a new tax but part of efforts to harmonise existing provisions under the government’s tax reform programme.

He further explained that the surcharge cannot take effect without a commencement order issued by the finance minister through a gazette.

Edun added that government would embark on consultations and stakeholder engagement to raise awareness before any eventual implementation.