FG Denies Reports of New Taxes on Telecom Services and Fuel

The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, describing the claims as inaccurate and unfounded.

The clarification, issued on Tuesday, followed publication of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV consultation report that had been interpreted in some quarters as recommending new tax measures.

Presidency and Federal Ministry of Finance officials pushed back against the speculation, insisting that no new telecom or fuel taxes are currently under consideration.

Channels TV reported that the Minister of Information and National Orientation described the reports as a misrepresentation of the IMF’s recommendations, which he said focused on improving the efficiency of existing tax collection rather than introducing new levies.

Vanguard, citing the Finance Ministry, said the government was committed to easing the cost-of-living burden on Nigerians and would not impose additional taxes that could worsen hardship.

PoliticsNigeria reported that the clarification also addressed concerns raised by labour unions and consumer groups, who had warned that any new telecom or fuel tax would worsen inflation.

The Federal Government urged the media and the public to verify tax-related information through official channels and avoid being misled by speculative reporting.

The IMF report is expected to be formally considered by the Federal Executive Council in the coming weeks.

Sources: The Guardian; Channels TV; Vanguard