The Federal Government has scrapped the 5% excise duty on telecommunications services, offering relief to millions of Nigerians who depend on voice and data for daily communication.
The National Orientation Agency announced the development on Thursday via its official X handle, stating that the levy, introduced during the Muhammadu Buhari administration, had applied to both calls and internet usage but faced stiff opposition from industry players and consumer groups.
Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu directed the removal of the tax during deliberations on the recently passed Finance Act. “The directive came directly from President Tinubu to ensure that Nigerians are not further burdened at a time of economic pressure,” Maida said.
The policy reversal is expected to benefit over 171 million active telecom subscribers nationwide, many of whom have been grappling with a 50% tariff hike earlier this year. Experts say the move will cut costs, expand access to digital services, and boost consumer confidence in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.
The NCC assured that it would continue to work with operators and stakeholders to guarantee that the removal directly translates into lower charges for subscribers.
