The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting it is planning to introduce fresh taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, declaring that no such policy is under consideration. The clarification follows widespread public concern generated by the publication of the International Monetary Fund’s Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, which contained several revenue-enhancing recommendations for the country.

A statement issued by the Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, stated that the media reports misrepresented the context of the IMF report.

The ministry emphasized that while the IMF’s assessment offers advisory policy recommendations for consideration, these proposals do not amount to official government policy and are absolutely not binding on the Nigerian government. It further maintained that any future decisions regarding fiscal changes are governed strictly by constitutional and legislative processes tailored to national economic priorities and public welfare.

To reassure businesses and citizens, the government clarified that the current Value Added Tax waiver on petroleum products remains fully in force and has not been withdrawn.

Addressing speculations regarding a potential fuel surcharge, the ministry explained that while existing statutory frameworks accommodate such provisions, they can only be activated via a formal ministerial order published in the Official Gazette, adding that no such process is currently being initiated. The administration maintained that preserving these waivers has been instrumental in shielding households and local enterprises from volatile international energy price fluctuations.

Regarding the telecommunications sector, the federal government clarified that the controversial telecom excise duty introduced before 2023 has been completely repealed under the country’s newly enacted tax laws and is no longer applicable.

The ministry urged the public, media organizations, and the business community to disregard reports of impending levies, reiterating that the current economic strategy is strictly focused on broadening economic activity, plugging systemic revenue leakages, and boosting administrative efficiency rather than imposing extra financial burdens on citizens.