Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has denied online reports claiming that the government plans to introduce a fuel tax, describing the claims as “fake news” and a misrepresentation of his remarks during an interview with ARISE News.
In the interview, Oyedele was clear that a fuel tax is not on the table at this time. “Having removed the fuel subsidy, it would be insensitive for government to impose a fuel tax at this time,” he said, reiterating that introducing such a levy immediately after subsidy removal would place undue pressure on Nigerians.
The clarification follows online reports that framed his comments as an announcement of an imminent fuel tax. Oyedele rejected that interpretation, stating his remarks had been twisted and urging the public to disregard the misleading headlines.
According to the minister, the interview addressed the broader principle that fuel taxes are common internationally and could be considered only when the economy has stabilised and income levels can accommodate the additional cost. He stressed that the immediate priority is to complete ongoing reforms and restore growth before any such tax is contemplated.
Oyedele called on the public to rely on the full interview and official sources for accurate information. “That is FAKE NEWS,” he said of the online claims, while reiterating that a fuel tax is not on the table.
The clarification did not provide further details on fuel policy, but it stressed that the current focus should not be misrepresented as a plan to impose a new fuel tax. The minister said his remarks were explicit and should not be taken out of context, adding that the misleading headlines had created unnecessary confusion. The public has been urged to disregard the misleading headlines and verify information from the full interview.