Government says no plans to introduce new telecom or fuel taxes

* Insists VAT waiver on petroleum products has not been withdrawn

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja 

The Federal Government has denied claims that it has adopted or is considering new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, as suggested in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

In a statement issued by Efe Ovuakporie, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit at the Federal Ministry of Finance, the government said the reports misrepresented the IMF report and do 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,” the statement read.

“Decisions on tax matters are taken through established constitutional and legislative processes and are guided by national priorities and prevailing economic realities,” it added.

The government clarified that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on petroleum products remains in place and has not been withdrawn.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, and that no such process is currently being considered.

The continued suspension of these charges, the statement said, has helped cushion the effect of global energy price fluctuations on households and businesses while keeping domestic fuel prices relatively stable.

Regarding the telecommunications excise duty that was in place before 2023, the government clarified that it has been repealed under the new tax laws and is therefore no longer applicable.

“Against this backdrop, reports claiming that new taxes are being planned for telecommunications services or petroleum products are not factual and should be disregarded,” the statement continued.

“The Federal Government remains focused on reforms that promote economic growth, improve revenue administration and create a more competitive environment for investment and job creation,” it added.

“The emphasis remains on expanding economic activity, plugging leakages and improving efficiency rather than placing additional tax burdens on citizens,” the statement concluded.

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