The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that President Bola Tinubu has eliminated the 5% excise duty previously imposed on telecommunications services as part of the newly enacted tax laws. The decision, confirmed by the NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, is expected to alleviate financial burdens on telecom subscribers across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dr. Maida described the removal of the levy as a significant step toward reducing the cost of telecommunications services for Nigerians. The excise duty, initially introduced to increase government revenue, had faced criticism from consumers and industry stakeholders for contributing to higher call, data, and SMS charges.
“This is a welcome development for both subscribers and the telecom industry,” Maida said. “The elimination of the 5% excise duty will not only ease the financial strain on Nigerians but also foster growth in the telecommunications sector, which is critical to Nigeria’s digital economy.”
The NCC boss commended President Tinubu for his responsiveness to public concerns, noting that the move aligns with the administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and promoting affordable access to communication services. The new tax law is part of broader fiscal reforms aimed at streamlining taxation and boosting economic growth.
Industry analysts predict that the removal of the levy could lead to reduced tariffs by telecom operators, potentially increasing access to mobile and internet services, particularly in underserved areas. However, the NCC has urged operators to ensure that the benefits of this policy change are passed on to consumers promptly.
The decision has been met with positive reactions from telecom subscribers and advocacy groups, who have long called for the scrapping of the levy. The NCC has assured Nigerians that it will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure a robust and affordable telecommunications ecosystem.
