Tinubu Under Fire over 15% Fuel Import Levy

A Yoruba socio–cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá (Yoruba Union), has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over what it described as excessive taxation and economic policies that are worsening hardship for Nigerians.

In a statement issued on Friday by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the Union faulted the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a 15% ad–valorem tariff on fuel imports — a policy it said has pushed the pump price of petrol to about ₦1,000 per litre in several parts of the country.

The group claimed the tax will further burden citizens already grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.

“People can no longer afford two meals a day. Farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to attacks by armed herders, while many children have dropped out of school because their parents can no longer cope,” the statement read.
The Union accused President Tinubu of pursuing policies that allegedly favour business interests linked to him and a few allies, at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

“It is clear that President Tinubu wants to monopolise the Nigerian market for a few cronies while crushing the dreams of ordinary citizens,” the statement added.

The group argued that since the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent tax reforms, many businesses have shut down while public universities have reportedly increased tuition fees by over 200%.

It further described the policies as “anti-people” and claimed they contradict Yoruba values of fairness, social welfare and communal responsibility.

Calling on traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the general public to speak out, the Union warned that failure to reverse what it called “oppressive taxation policies” could worsen hunger, unemployment and insecurity, pushing Nigeria towards a humanitarian crisis.

“We cannot remain silent while our people suffer. It is time for well-meaning Nigerians to demand justice, equity and responsible governance,” the statement concluded.