The Federal Government on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 dismissed reports suggesting plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products, saying the claims misrepresented recommendations contained in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, the government clarified that IMF recommendations are advisory and do not constitute binding policy or legal obligations.
It stressed that taxation decisions in Nigeria are taken through established constitutional and legislative processes, guided by national economic priorities and prevailing fiscal conditions.
The government also reaffirmed that the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on petroleum products remains in place and has not been withdrawn. It added that there is currently no process to introduce any fuel surcharge under existing legislation.
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According to the statement, any such surcharge would require a ministerial order and must be published in the Official Gazette before it can take effect.
It noted that the continued suspension of such charges has helped cushion households and businesses from global energy price shocks, contributing to relative stability in domestic fuel prices.
On telecommunications taxation, the Federal Government said the excise duty introduced before 2023 has already been repealed under current tax reforms and is no longer applicable.
The government restated its commitment to ongoing fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening revenue administration, supporting economic growth, and attracting investment.
It assured that any future tax measures would be communicated through official channels and implemented strictly in accordance with the law.