The Federal Government has denied claims that it plans to introduce new Taxes On Telecom Services or impose additional charges on fuel products, insisting that no such policy is currently under consideration despite growing public concern triggered by recent economic reports.
Key Highlights:
- Government denies introduction of new Taxes On Telecom Services
- IMF report described as advisory, not binding policy
- Existing VAT waiver on petroleum products remains unchanged
- No fuel surcharge process has been approved or activated
- Previous telecom excise duty has already been scrapped under tax reforms
The clarification was issued following public reactions to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, which contained policy suggestions on fiscal management and revenue mobilisation.
In a statement from the Ministry of Finance, Head of Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, said sections of the IMF report were being misinterpreted as official government decisions.
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He stressed that IMF recommendations are advisory and do not automatically translate into policy.
“The IMF Article IV Consultation Report represents the Fund’s assessment of Nigeria’s economy and offers recommendations for consideration. These recommendations are not binding on Nigeria,” the ministry stated.
The government further explained that any changes to taxation must pass through constitutional and legislative procedures, including approval by relevant authorities.
On fuel pricing, the ministry reaffirmed that the Value Added Tax waiver on petroleum products remains active, with no plans to reverse it.
It also clarified that although existing laws make provision for a fuel surcharge, such a measure cannot take effect without a formal directive from the Minister and publication in the Official Gazette.
“No such process is currently being contemplated,” the statement added, noting that the current stance has helped moderate the impact of global energy price pressures on domestic fuel costs.
On the telecom sector, the ministry stated that excise duty previously applied to telecommunications services before 2023 has been removed under ongoing tax reforms and is no longer in force.
The government urged the public to disregard circulating reports suggesting imminent tax increases on telecom services or fuel, adding that any future fiscal changes would be communicated through official channels and implemented strictly within the law.
