FG debunks claims of plans to introduce telecoms, fuel taxes

The Nigerian Federal Government has officially debunked claims that it intends to impose new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products. These reports, which linked the proposed taxes to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation, have been labeled as false and misleading.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Federal Ministry of Finance, through Maryann Duke, senior special assistant on communications and press secretary to the Minister of Finance, clarified that the IMF's recommendations are purely advisory and do not represent binding policy decisions for Nigeria. The government explicitly stated that it is "not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products."

Regarding fuel taxes, the government confirmed that current rules remain unchanged. The Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel is still active and has not been removed. Any potential fuel surcharge would require a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, and no such action is currently being considered. These existing arrangements, the statement noted, have helped to mitigate the impact of global fuel price fluctuations on Nigerian households and businesses.

Concerning telecommunications, the ministry explained that an excise duty introduced before 2023 was repealed under new tax laws and is therefore no longer in effect. The government urged the public, media, and businesses to disregard all claims about new telecoms and fuel taxes. Nigeria's tax policy, it emphasized, remains focused on enhancing revenue collection, fostering economic growth, and attracting investment, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens. Any future tax adjustments will be communicated through official channels and follow due process.