The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially broken its silence regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF’s) new tax recommendations.
This is as the presidency has firmly assured citizens that there are no plans to implement the IMF’s new tax recommendations.
The clear stance follows public anxiety triggered by the IMF’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report, which advised Nigeria to introduce excise duties on telecommunications services and extend Value Added Tax (VAT) to petroleum products to bridge its revenue gaps.
In a statement on Wednesday, Maryann Duke, senior special assistant on communications and press secretary to the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said reports suggesting the plans or adoption of new taxes were inaccurate.
“The claims are inaccurate and do not reflect the position of the Government,” the statement reads.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government is not considering the introduction of any new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products.”
According to the statement, the IMF Article IV consultation report contains the fund’s assessments and policy recommendations for consideration by the relevant country.
Duke said such recommendations do not constitute decisions of the government of Nigeria, nor are they binding on the government.
She said policy decisions are introduced through established constitutional, legislative, and institutional processes, taking into account national priorities and prevailing economic conditions.
“With respect to petroleum products, the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver currently applicable to fuel remains in place and has not been withdrawn,” she said.
“Similarly, the fuel surcharge in the law requires a specific ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette to be implemented. No such action is being contemplated at this time.
“The suspended taxes have helped to moderate domestic fuel prices below international averages and neighbouring countries serving as a cushion on the impact of global energy market disruption on Nigerian households and businesses.”
The presidential aide also clarified that the telecommunications excise duty introduced before 2023 has been repealed under the new tax laws and is no longer applicable.
Duke urged the public, media organisations, businesses, and other stakeholders to disregard reports suggesting that the government plans to introduce new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products.
She said the government remains committed to a transparent and growth-oriented tax policy framework that supports economic stability.
“Consistent with the objectives of the ongoing fiscal and tax reforms, the focus remains on improving revenue administration, expanding economic activity, eliminating inefficiencies, and creating a more competitive environment for investment and job creation, rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens,” Duke said.
The spokesperson added that any future tax policy changes, where necessary, would be communicated through official channels and implemented in line with due process and the law.
