FG Dismisses Reports of New Taxes on Fuel, Telecom Services
The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting that Nigerians may soon be subjected to new taxes on fuel and telecommunications services, insisting that no such policy is being considered.
The clarification comes amid public reactions to the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, which was misinterpreted in some quarters as indicating plans for additional taxation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Ministry of Finance described the reports as misleading and not reflective of the government’s official position on tax matters.
The Ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Efe Ovuakporie, said existing tax arrangements on petroleum products remain unchanged, including the Value Added Tax (VAT) relief currently in place.
She stressed that there is no plan to remove the VAT waiver on petroleum products, contrary to speculation circulating in the public space.
Ovuakporie also addressed concerns over possible fuel-related levies, noting that although the law provides for certain surcharges, such measures cannot take effect automatically.
“Any such measure would require a formal ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette before implementation,” she said, adding that no such action is being pursued at present.
According to the ministry, the continuation of the current suspension of such charges has helped protect households and businesses from global energy market volatility while supporting relatively stable fuel prices locally.
On telecommunications services, the government clarified that the excise duty previously introduced on the sector has been repealed and is no longer in force.
“The telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under the new tax laws and is therefore no longer applicable,” the statement read.
The Federal Government further cautioned against confusing IMF policy recommendations with official domestic policy, explaining that such reports are advisory and not binding on member countries.
It noted that Nigeria’s tax policies can only be determined through established legal and legislative processes that consider national economic priorities and citizens’ welfare.
The ministry urged the public to disregard claims that new taxes are being prepared on fuel or telecom services, reiterating that no such measures are currently planned.
It added that the government’s economic focus remains on boosting growth, improving revenue collection efficiency, and attracting investment, rather than imposing additional burdens on citizens.
According to the statement, efforts are also being directed towards broadening economic activity and blocking revenue leakages.
The government assured Nigerians that any future tax changes would be officially communicated and implemented strictly in line with the law.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
