FG Breaks Silence, Clarifies Position on Telecom and Fuel Taxes

The Federal Government has dismissed recent reports claiming it intends to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products.

The clarification follows the publication of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, which recommended such fiscal changes.

Maryann Duke, the Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday evening.

The minister’s aide explained that the assessments and recommendations outlined by the IMF are merely policy suggestions for consideration and do not represent binding choices or official decisions made by the Nigerian administration.

Duke emphasized that any future economic adjustments are strictly determined by national priorities and established legislative frameworks.

“The Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products,” Duke stated in the official release. She added, “The Government wishes to clarify that the IMF Article IV Consultation Report contains the Fund’s assessments and policy recommendations for consideration by the relevant country. Such recommendations do not constitute decisions of the Government of Nigeria, nor are they binding on the Government.”

However, the ministry confirmed that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on petrol remains active to shield Nigerian households and businesses from global energy market disruptions.

Duke said implementing a fuel surcharge would require a specific ministerial order and a formal publication in the Official Gazette, neither of which is currently being considered. The ministry also noted that previous telecommunications excise duties introduced before 2023 have been officially repealed under newer tax laws.

“With respect to petroleum products, the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver currently applicable to fuel remains in place and has not been withdrawn,” Duke explained.

“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The Federal Government also wishes to clarify that the telecommunications excise duty introduced prior to 2023 has been repealed under the new tax laws and is therefore no longer applicable.”

The ministry urged stakeholders, businesses, and the public to disregard the inaccurate reports, reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, growth-oriented tax system. Duke concluded by assuring the public that any genuine updates to tax policy would be communicated directly through official channels and handled strictly according to due process.