FG removes 5% telecom tax to ease burden on Nigerians

The Federal Government has announced the removal of the 5% excise duty on telecommunications services today, a decision expected to bring relief to millions of mobile phone users across the country.

The tax, which covered both voice calls and data services, was first introduced under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. It faced widespread criticism from telecom operators and consumer rights advocates, who argued that it added unnecessary cost pressures on Nigerians already struggling with rising tariffs.

According to the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida: President Bola Tinubu ordered the removal of the tax during discussions on the recently enacted Finance Act.

The move is projected to benefit over 171 million active telecom subscribers nationwide, many of whom have already experienced a 50% increase in tariffs earlier this year. Industry analysts say the decision could help stabilize costs and improve access to communication services for households and businesses.

With the scrapping of the tax, Nigerians can now expect reduced expenses on voice calls and data.