Has the government introduced a new fuel tax starting January 2026?

A claim circulated online that Nigerians will pay ₦500 tax on every ₦10,000 spent on fuel from January 2026.

Verdict: MISLEADING.

Yes, a 5% fuel surcharge exists—but it is not a new tax.

The levy originates from the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, signed by President Tinubu on June 26, 2025. It mandates a 5% surcharge on petrol and diesel, collected at the point of sale. Cleaner fuels like LPG, kerosene, CNG, and renewables are exempt.

The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, clarified that this is not a new tax. It reactivates provisions already contained in the FERMA Act of 2007, which introduced a fuel levy for road maintenance.

Importantly, there is no announced start date for the surcharge.

Conclusion: The claim that Nigerians will begin paying a new fuel tax in January 2026 is misleading. It is not a new tax, and no commencement date has been fixed.