Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticised plans for a 5 percent fuel surcharge, warning it would worsen the economic burden on Nigerians. Speaking in an interview monitored by Radio Now’s Newsdesk, he urged the government to account for funds previously deducted under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency Act of 2007.
Falana explained that the law required a 5 percent charge on fuel sales, with proceeds shared between federal and state roads, but said no remittances were made for years despite deductions. He noted that by 2022, the Senate confirmed that the government owed FERMA about one trillion naira.
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The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also cautioned against the total removal of subsidies, calling it socially insensitive. He argued that many advanced economies still subsidise essential services and urged Nigeria to resist blanket prescriptions from international lenders.
Recall, Presidential Tax Committee Chair Taiwo Oyedele clarified that the surcharge stems from the 2007 FERMA Act, while Finance Minister Wale Edun said there was no immediate plan to enforce it. Labour unions have warned that any attempt to implement the measure could trigger fresh strikes.
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