The Federal Government has firmly denied reports of plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, describing claims based on the recent IMF report as misleading

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it intends to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, saying such reports misrepresented recommendations in the recent International Monetary Fund Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

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Head of Information and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, made the clarification in a statement on Wednesday.

The government stressed that IMF recommendations are advisory in nature and do not constitute binding policy or obligations for Nigeria. Tax decisions, it added, are taken through constitutional and legislative processes guided by national priorities.

“The Value Added Tax waiver on petroleum products remains in force and has not been withdrawn,” the statement said. “No process is underway to activate any fuel surcharge provided for under existing legislation.”

It explained that any such surcharge would require a ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette before taking effect. The continued suspension of these charges has helped protect households and businesses from global energy price shocks, the government noted.

On telecommunications, the statement confirmed that the excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under new tax laws and is no longer applicable.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to economic reforms that promote growth, improve revenue administration and attract investment.

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It said any future tax measures would be properly announced through official channels and implemented in line with the law.