FG dismisses new fuel, telecom tax plans despite IMF recommendation

The Federal Government has dismissed reports of new fuel and telecom taxes, insisting the IMF’s recommendations aren’t binding policy.

Don’t believe the hype — there’s no new tax coming for your fuel or phone bills, the Federal Government says, according to Punch Newspapers.

The Finance Ministry shut down reports claiming Nigeria was adopting fresh telecom and petroleum taxes following the IMF’s Article IV report, calling such claims a misrepresentation. The ministry stressed that IMF recommendations aren’t binding government policy — tax decisions go through proper legislative channels.

The VAT waiver on petroleum stays in force, and the pre-2023 telecom excise duty? Already scrapped under new tax laws. Bottom line: no fresh burdens, just reforms to boost revenue and investment.