The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting that new taxes are being introduced or planned on petroleum products and telecommunications services in Nigeria.

The clarification comes amid media reports linking Nigeria’s fiscal reforms and an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV consultation to possible new tax measures on fuel and telecom services.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the government said the reports misrepresented both the IMF’s recommendations and its own policy position.

It explained that IMF consultation reports contain policy suggestions that are not binding on Nigeria and do not automatically translate into government action.

The government further stated that decisions on taxation are made through established constitutional and legislative processes, guided by national priorities and prevailing economic conditions.

According to the statement, the Value Added Tax (VAT) waiver on petroleum products remains in place and has not been removed. It also noted that although existing legislation provides for a fuel surcharge, no process has been initiated to implement such a charge, and it is not currently under consideration.

The government added that a telecommunications excise duty previously introduced has been repealed under recent tax reforms and is no longer applicable.

Officials reiterated that current fiscal policy is focused on improving revenue administration, expanding economic activity, and eliminating leakages rather than imposing additional tax burdens on citizens.