The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has vehemently condemned the proposed five per cent tax on petrol by the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on Sunday signed by Tola Oresanwo, Director of Administration and Programmes, on behalf of Chairman Debo Adeniran, CACOL described the tax as “insensitive and counterproductive,” arguing it would exacerbate economic hardship, worsen inflation, and increase job losses.
According to CACOL, the tax policy lacks clear justification, particularly given the government’s recent announcement of meeting its revenue targets without borrowing from banks.
The organisation questioned the rationale behind the new charge, suggesting it may be an attempt to silence citizens from speaking out against their economic suffering.
CACOL’s position is that Nigerians are already overwhelmed by severe economic policies and cannot afford additional burdens.
The group insists that the government should prioritise policies stimulating production, creating jobs, and reducing hardship rather than imposing further taxes.
He said: “At a time when citizens are still struggling under the weight of severe economic policies, this additional charge threatens to worsen inflation, increase job losses, and heighten public anger against the state. For nearly three years, Nigerians have endured unprecedented economic pains with patience, hoping government reforms would eventually ease their burdens.
“Yet, these expectations remain unmet. The proposed tax has no clear justification, especially considering that the President recently announced that the Federal Government has already met its revenue targets since August without borrowing from banks. Nigerians are therefore left to question: what exactly is the rationale behind this new charge?
“If the intent is to raise more revenue, it directly contradicts government’s earlier claims of financial stability. If the intent is to reduce petrol consumption, it will only cripple economic activities, shut down businesses, and worsen unemployment. This raises a troubling question: could this be a deliberate attempt to incapacitate the people from speaking out against their current suffering?
“We are already consulting, and at the appropriate time, Nigeria’s Civil Society Organisations, Community-Based Organisations, and even some Faith-Based Organisations will determine how best to confront the government on its anti-people policies and efforts to throw ordinary Nigerians who don’t have the opportunity to be in government into perpetual penury.
“We insist that Nigerians must not be pushed to the wall. The proposed petrol tax is unjustifiable, unfair, and unacceptable. We call on the Federal Government to immediately shelve this plan and instead focus on policies that will stimulate production, create jobs, and reduce the hardship of the people.”
