FG Clears Air On New Telecom And Fuel Taxes
The Federal Government has denied reports suggesting that new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products are being introduced or planned, following reactions linked to the International Monetary Fund Article IV report on Nigeria.
The clarification was issued by an aide to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
In a statement released by Maryann Duke, the government said the IMF report only contains policy suggestions and does not represent official decisions or binding actions for Nigeria.
She added that all tax decisions must go through established legal and institutional processes.
The government also confirmed that the existing VAT waiver on fuel remains active and has not been removed.
It added that any fuel surcharge would require formal approval and publication in the official gazette, which has not been done and is not under consideration.
It further explained that the telecommunications excise duty introduced earlier has already been repealed under current tax laws.
The statement urged the public and media to ignore reports suggesting new telecom or fuel taxes, noting that any future changes would be communicated officially and in line with due process.
