“When Will Nigerians Truly Breathe?” — Peter Obi Blasts Tinubu Over Fuel Tax, CNG Price Hike

Reported by Suzan Daniel | Sele Media Africa

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent imposition of a 5% tax on all refined fuel sales, questioning the administration’s priorities amidst growing economic hardship.

In a post made on X (formerly Twitter), Obi titled his statement “When will Nigerians truly breathe?”, directly referencing President Tinubu’s now-famous declaration, “Let the poor breathe.”

⁠“The President boasts of meeting revenue targets, yet instead of relief, Nigerians are being forced to pay more for fuel and diesel,” Obi wrote.  

⁠“Even the so-called alternative, CNG, has become unaffordable, rising from about N230 to N450, while the promised subsidies on CNG have quietly vanished,” he added.

The former Anambra State Governor decried what he described as misplaced government priorities, pointing out that millions of Nigerians are still struggling to meet basic transportation and living costs.

⁠“If our revenues are truly ‘excessive’ as claimed, should they not first be used to fund education, healthcare, and pulling Nigerians out of poverty? Why tax citizens who cannot even breathe anymore?” Obi questioned.

A Call for Compassionate Leadership

Obi urged the Tinubu-led government to reconsider the fuel tax, suggesting it should be suspended until citizens begin to see “tangible improvements” in their living conditions.

⁠“Leadership is not about giving a burden, it is about reducing suffering, it is about care and compassion,” he stressed.

Rising Costs and Public Reaction

Nigerians have taken to social media platforms to echo Obi’s concerns, with many lamenting the sharp increase in the price of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the impact of fuel taxes on inflation, transportation, and daily living.

Economic analysts also warn that such taxation during a period of intense hardship could widen the gap between the rich and the poor, and stoke further discontent.

Background

In late August 2025, the Tinubu administration introduced a 5% tax on refined petroleum products, citing the need to boost internal revenue and reduce dependence on crude exports. The move was met with backlash from labour unions and civil society organisations.

As the cost of living crisis deepens, critics like Obi are intensifying calls for pro-poor policies and transparent governance.

Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor developments surrounding this story.