No plan to introduce new telecoms, fuel taxes — FG

The federal government has debunked recent reports suggesting the imminent introduction of new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products.

According to a statement by the Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Maryann Duke, the government characterized these claims as entirely inaccurate and clarified that they do not reflect the current position of the administration.

The fiscal rumors originally intensified following the publication of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

Addressing this, the Ministry explained that the IMF report merely contains the Fund’s independent assessments and policy recommendations for the country’s consideration.

The government emphasized that such external recommendations do not constitute official decisions of the Nigerian government, nor are they legally binding. Instead, national policy decisions continue to be introduced through established constitutional, legislative, and institutional processes that carefully weigh national priorities against prevailing economic conditions.

Regarding petroleum products, the government clarified that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver currently applicable to fuel remains fully in place and has not been withdrawn.

The Ministry noted that implementing any statutory fuel surcharge would require a specific ministerial order and a formal publication in the Official Gazette, neither of which is being contemplated at this time.

The administration highlighted that keeping these taxes suspended has successfully helped moderate domestic fuel prices below international averages and those of neighboring countries, serving as an essential cushion against global energy disruptions for Nigerian households and businesses.

The Minister’s Press Secretary further noted that the telecom excise duty originally introduced prior to 2023 has been completely repealed under new tax laws and is no longer applicable.

She concluded by reiterating the administration’s commitment to a transparent, growth-oriented tax framework.