The federal government says it is not considering the introduction of new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products.
The clarification comes after the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) advised Nigeria to extend value-added tax (VAT) to fuel products and
to introduce excise duties on telecommunications services to raise government
revenue and fund development and social spending.
IMF, in its 2026 Article IV consultation report on Nigeria,
said recent tax reforms may not be enough to sustain the government’s spending
plans over the medium term.
In a statement on Wednesday, Maryann Duke, senior special
assistant on communications and press secretary to the minister of finance and
coordinating minister of the economy, said reports suggesting the plans or
adoption of new taxes were inaccurate.
“The claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the position
of the Government,” the statement reads.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government is not
considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or
petroleum products.”
‘RECOMMENDATIONS BY IMF DON’T CONSTITUTE DECISIONS OF FG’
According to the statement, the IMF Article IV consultation
report contains the fund’s assessments and policy recommendations for
consideration by the relevant country.
Duke said such recommendations do not constitute decisions
of the government of Nigeria, nor are they binding on the government.
She said policy decisions are introduced through established
constitutional, legislative, and institutional processes, taking into account
national priorities and prevailing economic conditions.
“With respect to petroleum products, the Value Added Tax
(VAT) waiver currently applicable to fuel remains in place and has not been
withdrawn,” she said.
“Similarly, the fuel surcharge in the law requires a
specific ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette to be
implemented. No such action is being contemplated at this time.
“The suspended taxes have helped to moderate domestic fuel
prices below international averages and neighbouring countries serving as a
cushion on the impact of global energy market disruption on Nigerian households
and businesses.”
The presidential aide also clarified that the
telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under
the new tax laws and is no longer applicable.
Duke urged the public, media organisations, businesses and
other stakeholders to disregard reports suggesting that the government plans to
introduce new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products.
She said the government remains committed to a transparent
and growth-oriented tax policy framework that supports economic stability.
“Consistent with the objectives of the ongoing fiscal and
tax reforms, the focus remains on improving revenue administration, expanding
economic activity, eliminating inefficiencies, and creating a more competitive
environment for investment and job creation, rather than increasing the tax
burden on citizens,” Duke said.
The spokesperson added that any future tax policy changes,
where necessary, would be communicated through official channels and
implemented in line with due process and the law.
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