The Federal Government has clarified that it is not planning to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products, contrary to reports circulating after recent recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The clarification followed concerns sparked by the IMF’s 2026 Article IV consultation report, which advised Nigeria to expand Value Added Tax (VAT) to fuel products and introduce excise duties on telecom services as part of efforts to boost government revenue.
However, the Presidency has distanced itself from the recommendations, stressing that they do not represent government policy.
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, described reports suggesting new taxes were being planned as misleading.
“The claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the position of the Government,” Duke said.
She added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products.”
According to the statement, recommendations contained in IMF reports are merely advisory and do not automatically translate into government decisions.
Duke explained that any policy changes involving taxation would have to go through constitutional, legislative, and institutional processes before implementation.
The Presidency also confirmed that the current VAT waiver on petroleum products remains in place.
“With respect to petroleum products, the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver currently applicable to fuel remains in place and has not been withdrawn,” she stated.
The government further noted that the telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under the country’s new tax laws and is no longer applicable.
The statement urged Nigerians, businesses, and media organisations to disregard reports claiming that fresh taxes would soon be imposed on fuel and telecom services.
Duke maintained that the government’s focus remains on improving revenue collection, expanding economic activities, attracting investment, and creating jobs rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.
“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,” she said.
The Presidency assured Nigerians that any future tax policy changes would be officially communicated and implemented in accordance with due process.
Source: Federal Ministry of Finance / Presidency Statement.
