Finally, FG Bows to Pressure, Suspends Proposed Telecoms Tax

Finally, FG Bows to Pressure, Suspends Proposed Telecoms Tax

  • Earlier, the Federal Government revealed it will impose a five percent excise duty on telecommunications services in the country
  • This was followed by backlashes from the minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Pantami, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria
  • In a recent development confirmed by the minister, the federal government has decided to suspend the proposed telecommunications tax

On Monday, September 5, the Federal Government announced the suspension of the proposed excise duty on telecommunication services.

The suspension was announced by the minister of communications and digital economy, Isa Pantami, on Monday during the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Committee on Excise Duty for the Digital Economy Sector in Abuja.

FG, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria
The federal government has suspended the proposed telecommunications tax. Photo credit: Professor Isa Ali Pantami
Source: Facebook

Isa Pantami confirms the development

According to the minister, the telecommunications sector is already overburdened by excessive and multiple taxation, The Punch reported.

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Meanwhile, the Federal Government through the Budget Office of the Federation had earlier revealed that it would begin the implementation of its proposed excise duties on telecommunication services and beverages in 2023.

However, Pantami has maintained that he is against the implementation of this tax, which would increase the cost of telecommunication services for Nigerians.

Details shortly…

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Legit.ng has reported that Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has authorized 1,643 mobile phones for use in Nigeria.

The different brands and models have been tested and found authentic and have met the set requirements of the NCC and can be sold in Nigeria.

The number of authorized phones by the NCC stands at 1,653 as of April last year.

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Earlier, Legit.ng earlier reported that following a directive from the federal government to telecommunication companies, over 72.77 million active telecommunication subscribers have been barred from making calls on their SIMs.

Recall that the FG had on Monday, April 4, ordered telecommunications companies to enforce compliance with its National Identification Number-Subscriber Identity Module policy.

It asked the companies to restrict all outgoing calls on all unlinked lines as the deadline for the verification expired on March 31.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Esther Odili avatar

Esther Odili (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Esther Odili is a journalist and a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng with 6+ years of experience. She Holds OND and HND in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institue of Journalism (NIJ), where she was recognized as the best student in print journalism in 2018. Before joining Legit.ng, Esther has worked with other reputable media houses, such as the New Telegraph newspaper and Galaxy Television. In 2024, Esther obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. Email: esther.odili@corp.legit.ng.