In a major policy reversal, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially removed the 5% excise tax on telecommunications services, including voice calls and data usage. The announcement, made on September 11, 2025, was confirmed by Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who stated that the directive came directly from President Bola Tinubu during discussions on the newly passed Finance Act.
The tax, originally introduced under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, had faced widespread backlash from telecom operators, consumer rights advocates, and millions of Nigerians already grappling with rising costs. With over 171 million active telecom users in the country, the removal of the levy is expected to significantly reduce financial pressure and improve access to digital services.
Industry experts have welcomed the move, noting that the tax had threatened affordability and risked slowing down Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy. Earlier this year, telecom tariffs had surged by 50%, with data and SMS prices climbing sharply. The removal of the excise duty is seen as a corrective measure to restore consumer confidence and stimulate broader digital inclusion.
The NCC has assured that it will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of the tax removal are fully passed on to consumers. This decision signals a shift in government priorities toward easing economic burdens and fostering growth in the tech and communications sectors.
