By Anwar Usman
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance has debunked reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, saying the claims are false and misleading.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement signed by Maryann Duke, senior special assistant on communications and press secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
The statement stated that, the reports, which linked the proposed taxes to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation on Nigeria, do not reflect its position.
The ministry reiterate that, the recommendations contained in the IMF report are advisory and do not constitute policy decisions or binding actions for Nigeria.
The statement in parts reads “the Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,”
The statement further clarified that existing tax arrangements on petroleum products remain in place.
It said the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on fuel has not been removed and is still active.
It also explained that any fuel surcharge can only take effect through a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, adding that no such action is being considered.
On telecommunications, the government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been cancelled under the new tax laws.
It added that the tax is, therefore, no longer in force.
The ministry urged Nigerians, media organisations and businesses to disregard claims about new telecoms and fuel taxes.
It said Nigeria’s tax policy remains focused on improving revenue collection, supporting economic growth, and attracting investment, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.
