How FG Allegedly Used Influencers to Sell Fuel Tax Nigerians Never Wanted

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When a group of Nigerian influencers flew to Ghana last month on what was presented as a promotional trip, few expected it would spiral into one of Twitter NG’s biggest political debates of the year. But their posts—led by mid-tier influencer Ruth—have now been linked by many to the Federal Government’s newly announced 5% fuel tax, leaving Nigerians convinced the trip was more than just tourism.

Instead of posting the usual glamour shots and lifestyle reels, Ruth spent days comparing the cost of living between Ghana and Nigeria. She tweeted about minimum wage, purchasing power, and even fuel, claiming petrol sold for ₦2,000 per litre in Accra. In total, she fired off more than 15 tweets, with an undertone suggesting Nigeria was not as bad off as Ghanaians.

Investigative journalist David Hundeyin immediately flagged the pattern, warning that whether or not the influencers realized it, they were helping to shape a narrative that would make Nigerians more accepting of rising fuel costs. He pointed out Ghana’s 15% fuel tax as a likely template for Abuja’s next fiscal move.

The backlash was swift. Ruth denied any government sponsorship, even issuing a legal statement. Chisco later admitted to supporting the trip through a promotional proposal, but critics argued the group produced more national comparisons than actual brand promotion. Other influencers piled on Hundeyin, mocking him as a fake journalist addicted to conspiracies.

Two weeks later, the government proved him right. The Federal Government unveiled the Harmonized Tax Act, which introduces a 5% levy on petrol and diesel purchases starting January 2026. That means Nigerians will pay ₦500 extra on every ₦10,000 worth of fuel—on top of already inflated prices since subsidy removal.

The announcement instantly reignited the controversy. Screenshots of Ruth’s tweets resurfaced alongside news of the new tax, with Nigerians declaring Hundeyin vindicated. Suspicion deepened further when Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was spotted visiting the Chisco Chairman at his Ikoyi home just weeks after the trip.

Ruth has since apologized and insisted she was never paid by the government. But for many, the timing is too convenient. To them, the episode shows a growing strategy where influencers are used as unofficial messengers to normalize unpopular government policies—while critics like Hundeyin are attacked until reality catches up.

On Twitter NG, the conclusion is blunt: Nigerians may not have wanted the fuel tax, but influencers helped sell it to them. And this time, the journalist who warned them early gets the last word: “I told you so.”