Nigeria TV Info

LAGOS — Opposition is mounting against the Federal Government’s planned implementation of a 5% surcharge on refined petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Stakeholders in the extractive sector and civil society organisations (CSOs) have strongly criticised the move, warning that the additional levy will worsen the country’s economic hardship and further increase the cost of living for ordinary Nigerians.

According to industry experts, the surcharge—introduced as part of the Extractive Industry Surcharge Bill—could raise the pump price of petrol and diesel, trigger inflation, and put additional pressure on small and medium-scale enterprises already grappling with high operating costs.

Some CSOs have described the policy as “ill-timed” and “anti-people,” urging the government to reconsider and instead focus on policies that cushion the effects of subsidy removal and rising energy prices.

The Federal Government, however, insists the surcharge is aimed at boosting revenue for infrastructure development and improving transparency in the extractive industry.

As the January deadline approaches, labour unions and advocacy groups are expected to intensify pressure on the government to shelve the plan or face nationwide protests.