ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has abolished the controversial 5% excise duty on telecommunications services; a decision expected to reduce costs for millions of Nigerians and strengthen the nation’s digital economy.
Speaking yesterday at a conference in Abuja, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, confirmed that the levy on mobile calls and data has been removed permanently. “This is not a suspension, it has been removed entirely,” he said, clarifying that the directive was codified in recent legislation.
The duty, first introduced by the previous administration, was suspended in 2023 during a wider tax review. Attempts to revive it in 2024 alongside betting and gaming taxes sparked widespread criticism.
Telecom operators and consumer groups long opposed the levy, warning it would inflate service charges, restrict access to digital tools, and choke growth in a sector already battling inflation and foreign exchange volatility.
The Presidency argues that scrapping the tax will expand digital inclusion and support industry operators. “The removal positions Nigeria as a stronger hub for technological innovation,” Maida said.
Industry experts believe the decision could increase internet penetration and stimulate economic growth, particularly for young entrepreneurs and start-ups relying heavily on affordable data.
