Nigerian activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has gone viral after strongly condemning the newly introduced petroleum tax, describing it as an “evil system” designed to enslave citizens.
In a video making the rounds online, Farotimi expressed frustration that Nigerians often shrug their shoulders or quietly make payments whenever unfair policies are introduced. He stressed that it was time to ask tough questions and resist.
According to him, the original law on petroleum tax was created when there was still fuel subsidy, with revenue meant to go to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for road projects. However, he alleged that the funds had only been looted over the years.
“When that law was made, there was fuel subsidy. That money was meant to go to FERMA for the maintenance of federal roads, but they’ve just been chopping the money. Now there’s no fuel subsidy again. Then petrol was like ₦100,” he said.
Farotimi went further to call out fellow public figures and activists, urging them to rise against the policy.
“At this point I’m going to be calling out Yele Sowore, Bello Galadanchi, I’m calling out each and every person who opens their mouth in the public space and say that they are activist. We must resist this fuel taxation. We must resist it,” he added.
His outburst has since triggered strong reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing support while others doubted that resistance would bring change.
Watch the video below …
When will enough be ENOUGH?? 🇳🇬https://t.co/0tBaG1gbo7 pic.twitter.com/yDdetNez0B
— Dele Farotimi. A victim of Nigeria (@DeleFarotimi) September 8, 2025