The Federal Government has stepped in to calm growing fears over a new 5 per cent tax on petrol and other petroleum products.

Finance Minister Wale Edun told reporters in Abuja on Tuesday that, although the tax is part of a new law, there are no plans to start enforcing it immediately.

His remarks come after the proposal sparked outrage across the country. Many Nigerians say another fuel levy would only deepen the cost-of-living crisis, while labour unions have already threatened strikes if the policy goes ahead.

Edun explained that the government is still weighing its options and will not rush into implementing the tax. For now, motorists and households won’t see any increase in fuel prices from that law.