FG denies reports of plans to introduce new tellecoms and fuel taxes

The Federal Government has denied media reports claiming it is considering new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products following the publication of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

According to a statement released by the Head Information and Public Relations Unit, Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, the Federal government said the reports misrepresented the content of the IMF report and did not reflect its policy direction.

“The IMF Article IV Consultation Report contains the Fund’s assessment of Nigeria’s economy as well as recommendations for consideration by the authorities.

Those recommendations do not amount to government policy and are not binding on Nigeria. Decisions on tax matters are taken through established constitutional and legislative processes and are guided by national priorities and prevailing economic realities”.

The statement clarified that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on petroleum products remains in place and has not been withdrawn.

It also noted that although existing legislation provides for a fuel surcharge, such a measure can only take effect through a ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette.

“No such process is under consideration. The continued suspension of these charges has helped cushion the effect of global energy price fluctuations on households and businesses while keeping domestic fuel prices relatively stable”.

The government further clarified that the telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under the new tax laws and is therefore no longer applicable. It said that reports claiming that new taxes are being planned for telecommunications services or petroleum products “are not factual and should be disregarded”.

“Any future tax measures will be announced through official channels and implemented in line with the law”, the statement added.