The Federal Government clarifies that the reported ₦500 fuel surcharge set for January 2026 is false, stressing that implementation will depend on a future directive from the Finance Minister.
The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming that Nigerians will begin paying a ₦500 surcharge on every ₦10,000 worth of fuel purchases starting January 2026.
According to authorities, while the provision for a fuel levy exists under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Act and has been incorporated into the new tax law, it has not yet been activated.
The clarification came through Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, in a video released by the State House.
“There is a law that was passed some years ago introducing a fuel surcharge under the FEMA Act. This has now been captured in the new tax law, but it does not automatically begin in January 2026,” Oyedele explained.
He emphasized that the surcharge will only take effect once the Minister of Finance issues an official order. “I am aware that some misinformation is being spread. The reality is that the Finance Minister will determine the appropriate time for implementation, and that has not yet been decided,” he added.
Oyedele further noted that the surcharge is intended to fund transport infrastructure projects. He said such investments are expected to lower logistics costs, ease the financial strain on commuters, and help reduce inflation in the long term.
