The Federal Government has denied reports suggesting that Nigerians may soon face fresh taxes on fuel and telecommunications services, insisting that no such measures are being planned. The clarification followed public reactions to the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Consultation Report on Nigeria, which some reports interpreted as an indication that new taxes were being considered by the government. In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the Ministry of Finance said the reports were inaccurate and did not reflect the government’s position on taxation. The ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Efe Ovuakporie, explained that the current tax arrangements on petroleum products remain unchanged, including the existing Value Added Tax (VAT) relief. According to her, there has been no decision to remove the VAT waiver on petroleum products, contrary to speculation in some quarters. She also addressed concerns over possible fuel-related charges, noting that while the law contains provisions that allow for certain surcharges, such charges cannot take effect automatically. “Any such measure would require a formal ministerial order and publication in the Official Gazette before implementation,” she said, adding that government is not pursuing such action at this time.

Nation