Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, insisting that no such measures are under consideration.
Gatekeepers News reports that the clarification follows recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Nigeria extend Value Added Tax (VAT) to fuel products and introduce excise duties on telecommunications services as part of efforts to boost government revenue and support development spending.
In its 2026 Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, the IMF noted that recent tax reforms may not be sufficient to sustain the government’s spending plans over the medium term.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said reports linking the government to new taxes were misleading.
“The claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the position of the Government,” the statement said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products.”
Duke explained that the IMF’s Article IV Consultation Report contains policy recommendations and assessments that countries may consider, but stressed that such proposals are neither binding nor automatically adopted by the Nigerian government.
She noted that all policy decisions are subject to constitutional, legislative and institutional processes and must align with national priorities and prevailing economic realities.
Addressing concerns over fuel taxation, Duke said the current VAT waiver on petroleum products remains in force.
“With respect to petroleum products, the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver currently applicable to fuel remains in place and has not been withdrawn,” she said.
“Similarly, the fuel surcharge in the law requires a specific ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette to be implemented. No such action is being contemplated at this time.”
According to her, the suspension of certain fuel-related taxes has helped cushion the impact of global energy market disruptions on Nigerians by keeping domestic fuel prices below international and regional averages.
“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,” she added.
Duke also clarified that the telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under the country’s new tax laws and is no longer applicable.
She urged the public, businesses, media organisations and other stakeholders to disregard reports suggesting plans to impose fresh taxes on telecommunications services or fuel.
The presidential aide reiterated the government’s commitment to a transparent and growth-driven tax system focused on improving revenue collection and stimulating economic activity rather than increasing the burden on citizens.
“Consistent with the objectives of the ongoing fiscal and tax reforms, the focus remains on improving revenue administration, expanding economic activity, eliminating inefficiencies, and creating a more competitive environment for investment and job creation, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens,” Duke said.
She added that any future tax policy adjustments, if necessary, would be announced through official channels and implemented in accordance with due process and the law.
