Abuja dismissed claims this week that it's planning fresh taxes on phone services and fuel products. The denials came after an International Monetary Fund report sparked speculation about new levies.
Efe Ovuakporie, spokesman for the Finance Ministry, issued the clarification on Wednesday. He argued that media reports twisted what the IMF actually said.
According to him, the fund's Article IV Consultation Report merely offers suggestions to Nigeria's leadership. These recommendations aren't binding, Ovuakporie stressed in his statement.
"Tax decisions come through constitutional and legislative channels guided by national priorities," he noted. Economic conditions also shape such choices, he added.
Government confirmed the Value Added Tax exemption on petroleum remains unchanged. That waiver hasn't been scrapped, officials said.
While law allows for a fuel surcharge, it requires a ministerial order and gazette publication. No such action is underway, the ministry clarified.
Keeping the suspension active has shielded households and businesses from energy price swings. Domestic fuel costs have stayed relatively steady as a result.
On telecoms, authorities confirmed the excise duty from before 2023 got cancelled. New tax legislation eliminated it, making it obsolete today.
"Claims about planned telecoms or petroleum taxes lack truth," government said flatly. Nigerians should ignore such reports, it urged.
Abuja's focus remains on growth-boosting reforms and better revenue collection. Creating space for investment and jobs is the priority, not squeezing citizens.
Any new tax moves will come through official government channels only. Implementation will follow the law, authorities promised.
