The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it has approved or is considering new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products following recommendations contained in the latest report by the International Monetary Fund.
The government clarified that the recommendations contained in the IMF Article IV Consultation Report do not represent official policy and are not binding on Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, the government insisted that no fresh taxes are being planned for either sector.
“The government has dismissed reports suggesting that it has adopted or is considering new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products following the publication of the IMF Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria,” the statement said.
The clarification follows recent public debate after the IMF proposed revenue-enhancing measures aimed at improving fiscal sustainability and increasing government income.
The Federal Government, however, maintained that taxation decisions remain sovereign matters and must follow constitutional and legislative procedures.
“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 ministry stated.
It added that tax policies would continue to reflect national priorities and prevailing economic realities.
No fuel tax under consideration
The government also clarified that the Value Added Tax waiver on petroleum products remains in place and has not been removed.
According to the ministry, although existing laws provide room for a fuel surcharge mechanism, such a measure cannot take effect without ministerial approval and publication in the Official Gazette.
“No such process is under consideration,” the statement noted.
Officials argued that maintaining the waiver and suspending related charges have helped reduce pressure on households and businesses amid fluctuations in global energy markets.
Telecom excise duty already repealed
On telecommunications, the government explained that the excise duty introduced before 2023 had already been abolished under Nigeria’s updated tax framework.
“The telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under the new tax laws and is therefore no longer applicable,” the ministry said.
Focus remains on economic growth
The government reiterated that its current focus is on stimulating economic growth, strengthening revenue administration, attracting investment, and creating jobs rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.
According to the statement, reforms will prioritise expanding economic activity, reducing leakages, and improving efficiency across sectors.
Authorities also assured Nigerians that any future tax measures would be officially announced and implemented strictly in accordance with the law.
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