The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting that it is considering new taxes on telecommunications services and petroleum products.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie.

The government said the reports misrepresented recommendations contained in the International Monetary Fund Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria.

According to the statement, IMF recommendations are advisory and do not amount to government policy or binding obligations on Nigeria.

The Federal Government explained that tax decisions in Nigeria are made through constitutional and legislative processes and are guided by national priorities, economic realities and due process.

“The tax decisions in Nigeria are made through constitutional and legislative processes, guided by national priorities and economic realities,” the statement said.

The government also clarified that the Value Added Tax waiver on petroleum products remains in force and has not been withdrawn.

It added that no process is currently underway to activate any fuel surcharge provided for under existing legislation.

“No process is underway to activate any fuel surcharge provided for under existing legislation,” the government said.

It explained that any such surcharge would require a ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette before implementation.

The government said the continued suspension of such charges had helped protect households and businesses from global energy price shocks.

It added that domestic fuel prices had remained relatively stable because of the continued waiver and suspension measures.

On telecommunications, the Federal Government said the excise duty on telecom services introduced before 2023 had already been repealed under the new tax laws.

It said the duty is no longer applicable, contrary to claims circulating in some reports.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms aimed at supporting economic growth, improving revenue administration and attracting investment.

It added that any future tax measure, if introduced, would be announced through official channels and implemented strictly in accordance with the law.

_______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion. Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. ______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ________________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

_______________________________________________________________________