Nigeria government denies plans for new telecom and fuel taxes

The Nigerian Federal Government rejected reports that it intends to levy new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products. In a statement signed by Maryann Duke, senior special assistant to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the ministry said the claims were false and misleading and were not based on any official policy.

The statement clarified that the International Monetary Fund’s Article IV Consultation provides advisory recommendations only and does not bind Nigeria to any tax changes. It confirmed that existing fuel tax rules remain unchanged, the value‑added tax waiver on fuel is still in force, and any new fuel surcharge would require a ministerial order published in the Official Gazette – which is not being considered.

Regarding telecommunications, the government noted that the excise duty introduced before 2023 had already been repealed under the new tax laws, so no new telecom tax is planned. The ministry urged the public, media and businesses to disregard the unfounded claims and stated that any future tax adjustments would be communicated through official channels.