Government denies plans for new telecoms and fuel taxes

The Federal Government has rejected reports that it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and fuel products. The government said these claims are false and misleading.

The Federal Ministry of Finance made this known on Wednesday in a statement by Maryann Duke, who is the senior special assistant on communications and press secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.

The ministry stated that the reports linking these proposed taxes to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria do not represent its stance.

The government explained that the recommendations in the IMF report are just advice and do not mean they will be put into action in Nigeria.

"The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products," the statement said.

The rules on fuel tax remain the same. The government emphasized that the current tax arrangements on fuel products are still valid.

It stated that the Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on fuel has not been removed and is still in effect.

The government added that any fuel surcharge would only happen through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, and there is no plan for such action.

According to the statement, the current tax arrangements have helped lessen the effect of global fuel price changes on Nigerian families and businesses.

Clarity on Telecommunications Taxes

On telecommunications, the government mentioned that the excise duty that was introduced before 2023 has been repealed under the new tax laws.

This means that the tax is no longer in effect. The ministry encouraged Nigerians, media outlets, and businesses to ignore claims about new telecoms and fuel taxes.

The ministry also pointed out that Nigeria’s tax policy is focused on improving revenue collection, boosting economic growth, and attracting investment. It is not about increasing the tax burden on citizens.

The ministry assured that any future tax changes would be communicated through official channels and would follow due process.