The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting that it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, insisting that no such proposal is currently under consideration.
The clarification follows widespread reactions to recommendations made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its recent Article IV Consultation Report, which advised Nigeria to consider introducing excise duties on telecommunications and fuel products as part of broader fiscal reforms.
In a statement issued by Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the government described claims of impending taxes on telecoms and petroleum products as inaccurate and misleading.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” the statement said.
IMF Recommendations Do Not Automatically Become Policy
The government emphasized that recommendations from international organizations such as the IMF are advisory and do not automatically translate into government policy.
According to the statement, any fiscal policy changes must go through established constitutional and legislative processes while taking into account Nigeria’s economic realities and national priorities.
Officials noted that the country’s current economic situation does not support the introduction of additional taxes on essential services such as telecommunications and fuel.
The government therefore urged businesses, media organizations, investors, and members of the public to disregard reports suggesting that new taxes on these sectors are imminent.
VAT Waiver on Fuel Remains in Place
As part of the clarification, the government reaffirmed that the existing Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on petroleum products remains in effect and has not been withdrawn.
Authorities also explained that although current legislation provides for the possibility of a fuel surcharge, any implementation would require a formal ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette.
According to the Ministry of Finance, no such action is being contemplated at this time.
The continuation of existing tax relief measures, the government noted, has helped cushion households and businesses from global energy market volatility by keeping domestic fuel prices below international levels.
Telecom Excise Duty Already Repealed
On the telecommunications sector, the government stated that the excise duty previously introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under Nigeria’s revised tax framework.
“The telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under the new tax laws and is therefore no longer applicable,” the statement said.
The clarification is likely to provide relief for telecommunications operators and subscribers, particularly at a time when the industry is grappling with rising infrastructure costs, foreign exchange pressures, and growing demand for digital connectivity.
Focus Remains on Growth and Investment
The Federal Government reiterated that its ongoing fiscal reforms are designed to stimulate economic activity, improve revenue generation, attract investment, and create jobs rather than increase the tax burden on citizens.
Officials maintained that any future tax policy adjustments would be communicated transparently through official channels and implemented in line with due process.
The statement comes amid broader tax reform efforts being led by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, which seeks to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while improving compliance and economic competitiveness.
For now, businesses and consumers can expect existing tax policies on telecommunications services and petroleum products to remain unchanged.
