DistantNews

No new tax on vehicles – NRS

From The Punch · (Apr 26) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has debunked a viral infographic claiming a new vehicle tax is effective July 1.
  • The NRS stated that the Federal Government has not introduced any new vehicle tax.
  • Citizens are urged to rely only on official government channels for accurate information regarding tax policies.

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has moved swiftly to dispel rumors circulating online about a new vehicle tax. A viral infographic falsely claimed that the Federal Government was imposing a new tax on private, commercial, and corporate vehicles starting July 1. The NRS has categorically denied these claims, labeling the information as false and misleading.

According to Mr. Dare Adekambi, Special Adviser to the NRS Chairman, Dr. Zach Adedeji, the misleading infographic lacked any identifiable author and directed the public to an incorrect website (firs.gov.ng) instead of the official NRS portal (nrs.gov.ng). Adekambi emphasized that no such tax has been introduced by the Federal Government, urging the public to disregard the fabricated messages.

The NRS wishes to state categorically that the information did not emanate from the service or any government agency.

— Dare AdekambiDenying the authenticity of the viral infographic.

This incident highlights a persistent challenge in Nigeria: the spread of misinformation, particularly through social media. The NRS is advising citizens to exercise caution and verify information through official government channels. Relying on anonymous graphics or unverified sources can lead to unnecessary confusion and potential financial complications.

The service stressed the importance of trusting only information disseminated through verified official platforms. Nigerians are encouraged to follow the official social media handles and website of the NRS for accurate updates on tax policies and government activities. This proactive debunking aims to prevent public panic and ensure that citizens are not misled by fraudulent or inaccurate information.

Citizens are, therefore, advised to disregard the fabricated messages designed to mislead the public and instead rely on official government channels for information on government policies.

— Dare AdekambiAdvising the public on how to obtain accurate information.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.